International specialty technology distributor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc., Climb Channel Solutions, announced that it will be entering the Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH) region’s IT channel with a new, AI-oriented value-add concept. Martin Bichler was also announced to lead the DACH operation from Munich, Germany and appointed as the Regional Country Manager DACH.
The new branch for Climb opened in Munich on October 1. Climb Channel Solutions is focused on growth in Europe, particularly in the DACH region, following its acquisitions of Dublin-based DataSolutions in October 2022 and US-based Douglas Stewart Software & Services, LLC (DSS) in August 2024. The company was previously represented in Europe by its EU headquarters in the UK, as well as with offices in Ireland, France, and the Netherlands.
“We are very excited that Climb Channel Solutions has entered the DACH market, and we look forward to working closely with Martin and the team at Climb,” said Eduard Boger, Sales Director DACH, X-Cellent GmbH. “Climb’s specialization in new technology means we are able to offer our customers access to cutting-edge solutions that have the potential to transform their businesses. What really matters to us and our customers is speed and innovation. Climb’s fresh new vendor portfolio is of real value to us and our customers.”
Climb’s growth in the DACH region will rely in part on their new value-add concept to assist partners on their AI journeys.
The Climb AI Academy
To go along with Climb’s familiar VAD services such as product training, sales training, pre-sales, PoC, and post-sales support or marketing support, the company has created a competence center for AI called the Climb AI Academy. The academy offers IT partners a framework with custom AI training and helps them gain a foothold in the AI market.
“Climb offers partners an attractive combination of interesting, AI-relevant manufacturers and its own AI Academy,” said Bichler. “This gives them the opportunity to specialize, position, and differentiate themselves in the AI environment at an early stage and generate IT projects with real added value and lucrative margins.”
The AI training program includes topics such as AI target, AI infrastructure, and AI management. It covers end-to-end AI deployment scenarios, from strategic planning and target setting to choosing the correct models and tools, implementing the correct IT infrastructure and AI solutions, and developing the necessary skills, methods, and management tools.
Additionally, security and compliance issues are also covered and the training sessions are moderated by Climb experts and complimentary vendor specialists.
To further its goals for the academy, Climb has partnered with Unbuzz Consulting to assist in equipping the IT channel with cutting-edge AI knowledge and capabilities through training modules, enabling partners to create value for their customers by “delivering innovative, data-driven solutions focused on growth and transformation.”
A focus on AI and growth
AI tools and applications from providers in the Climb portfolio and the knowledge provided by the Climb Academy allow system houses, integrators, consultants, ISVs, and MSPs to offer conceptual and operational solutions in AI to their customers.
Climb’s portfolio focuses on solution providers with an AI focus in areas such as connectivity, data management, security, software lifecycle, storage, and hyper converged infrastructures (HCI), virtualization, and cloud. It includes Canonical, Superna, Scale Computing, Vast, and Solarwinds.
“As a truly global distributor we’re delighted to launch in the DACH region and to bring our unique personal approach to the market,” said Climb CEO Dale Foster. “Our aim is not just to stick with what’s proven and profitable today, but to invest in and support the solutions that will shape tomorrow. We are committed to growth in DACH and are actively seeking acquisitions.”
Climb’s busy autumn
Climb’s movement into the DACH region isn’t the only play for growth the company has made in recent weeks. A month ago, the company announced the acquisition of Douglas Stewart Software & Services, LLC, a distributor focused on K-12 and higher education technology.
The acquisition provided deep vertical expertise to Climb, which the company plans to develop further over the next year. Additionally, it enhances Climb’s presence in North America while bolstering its product portfolio.
“DSS is a proven leader in the EdTEch channel and provides services to more than 500 value-added resellers and 250 campus stores across North America in both the K-12 and high education markets,” Foster said.
With these recent moves in the North American and European regions, Climb continues to actively look at acquisition targets across Europe as part of its ambitious growth strategy.
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