Exertis has confirmed that its partnership with Dell will “reduce significantly” between now and 1 May, IT Channel Oxygen can reveal.
The distributor will lose access to Dell’s core portfolio in the UK from that date, but has stressed that it will retain access to Dell OEM solutions.
Its relationship with Dell in Ireland also remains unaffected.
Dell moved to appoint a string of distributors following its decision to ditch its direct sales-only mantra in 2007, with Exertis a mainstay in the UK line-up alongside TD Synnex, Ingram Micro and Arrow ECS, with Westcoast appointed in 2022.
The latest development comes less than six months after Dell moved to a partner-led approach for storage.
Exertis stressed that the duo will continue to work together across the full portfolio over the next three months.
An Exertis spokesperson issued the following statement to IT Channel Oxygen:
Exertis has confirmed that over the coming months, its partnership with Dell Technologies will reduce significantly.
Exertis has regarded Dell Technologies as a valued partner over many years and will continue to do so in the areas in which the two companies remain partners. Exertis will continue to partner with Dell OEM solutions, and Exertis’ relationship with Dell in Ireland will be unaffected. As a central part of its business strategy, Exertis is working through a precisely defined plan for nurturing vendor partner relationships that drive profitable and sustainable growth for both parties. As Exertis evolves as a business, it is natural to see changes in its vendor partner portfolio.
Exertis and Dell will continue to work closely together, to ensure the smoothest possible transition for all customers.
With Exertis’ operations performing at industry-leading levels, the company is confident that the transition can be executed seamlessly, while at the same time continuing to deliver to its customers what it believes is the UK’s leading IT products portfolio.
Alex Tatham, Executive Director at Westcoast, which is both a Dell Enterprise and Device distributor, said he was not expecting the news.
“The news is surprising given the increasing drive that Dell themselves are putting into the indirect channel here in the UK alongside their distributors,” Tatham (pictured above) told IT Channel Oxygen.
“I can say that Westcoast have continued to increase investments in storage and services as well as workstations specifically for Dell. Clearly any UK resellers affected will be welcome with appropriate terms where needed and the ‘can-do’ attitude Westcoast is famous for.”
A statement from Dell read: “We’re always assessing our business to remain competitive and ensure we’re set up to deliver the best innovation, value and service to our customers and partners.”
