Ingram Micro Launches Broadband Program With Lenovo

Ingram Micro Inc. said it will provide wireless activation services for a range of Lenovo’s ThinkPad laptops and models of the vendor’s IdeaPad S10-3 netbooks to channel partners in the U.S.

The distributor’s Mobile Broadband Activation program encompasses wireless networks operated by AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. The activation services are available to channel partners and Lenovo customers through a web portal.

Ingram’s Mobility Division will oversee the activation program.

Ingram said that the new program is important because wireless technology has become increasingly important to business customers as bandwidth requirements expand for streaming video, on-demand applications and virtual meetings.

In making its case, the distributor pointed to research data that suggests the market for embedded broadband could reach 2.5 billion connected devices worldwide by 2014.

“When it comes to laptops, high speed 3G and 4G wireless connectivity is a must have for businesses,” said Robert Garry, Ingram director of Mobility.

Garry said that the activation program will make it easier for Lenovo’s channel partners to sell and support the vendor’s laptop computers.

Lenovo officials said that the program will generate sales for resellers and help build additional business from small- and medium-sized business customers for mobile broadband-enabled laptops.

“With the support of the Ingram Micro Mobility division channel partners have an end-to-end solution that not only increases their overall profitability but enhances their value add in the marketplace,” said Jay McBain, Lenovo director, Small and Medium Business.

Lenovo’s line of ThinkPad laptops are 3G-enabled and the vendor also sell 4G-equipped notebook models, including its new ThinkPad Edge aimed at SMB customers.

Officials said that Lenovo will unwrap 3G-powered notebooks priced under $500 designed especially for the Mobile Broadband Activation program.