FDC ProValue Signs as Overland Storage Distributor

Data protection and storage appliances vendor, Overland Storage, Inc. has signed a distribution agreement with FDC ProValue, a VAD division of FDC International.

Under the accord, FDC ProValue will supply the vendor’s network storage solutions and clustered NAS offerings including storage solutions, disk storage, disk backup, external tape drives, tape backup, tape libraries and autoloaders to channel partners across the Middle East.

Overland said with the FDC ProValue deal, the company is targeting growth verticals in e-government, education, digital security surveillance, banking, oil exploration and smart cities. Overland said it sees its initial strategy in growing business in the GCC region and expanding rapidly into the rest of Middle East and Africa through channel partners.

Saif Shaikh, regional channel manager, MEA, Overland, said: “FDC offers unique value to Overland Storage with its distribution expertise and reach in the Middle East.“

Shaikh added: “FDC is one of the most established and recognised IT distributors across the Middle East region. With FDC’s coverage of the Middle East region, it means that we are well aligned to achieve business growth for both companies including partners who will invest in our solutions.“

Shaikh said: “FDC’s logistics expertise will help Overland Storage to reach out to a broad base of reseller partners across the Middle East market.“

Ram Praveen, business unit manager, ProValue division, FDC International, said: “The company is happy to have signed this deal and Overland is well positioned to capture the growth in the region with key solutions in security surveillance, big data, data centre virtualisation and cloud. FDC was impressed with the company’s commitment to ensuring that reseller businesses are profitable. Channel partners in the Middle East can expect Overland Storage to invest heavily in the region driving enablement through training and certification programs.“

Alan Pourmirza, marketing and infrastructure manager, FDC International, pointed out that Overland will be rolling out initiatives that help reseller partners achieve profitability through services: “We want to enable our partners to be able to deliver solutions and services with a high level of competency.

Overland’s Shaikh added: “The main challenges for the company in the Middle East market is still very much based on speed of growth and economic development of the region. Despite the wave of optimism across the region, growth varies based on the different level of IT maturity and investment. The rate of IT adoption by the customers will vary the focus of channel partners and directly translate to a pattern of focuses and market development.“