Value-add distribution for the AI age: Climb Channel Solutions launches in the DACH region

Climb Channel Solutions (Climb), an international specialty technology distributor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, is now entering the DACH region’s IT channel with a new, AI-oriented value-add concept. In addition, Climb also announces the appointment of Martin Bichler to lead the DACH operation from Munich.

International IT distributor Climb is expanding its European presence with its new branch for Germany, Austria and Switzerland officially opened in Munich on 1 October. Previously, the company was represented in Europe by its EU headquarters in the UK, along with sales offices in Ireland, France and the Netherlands.

Following the acquisitions of Dublin-based DataSolutions in October 2022 and US-based Douglas Stewart Software & Services, LLC (“DSS”) in August 2023, Climb Channel Solutions is now focusing on growth in Europe, particularly in the DACH region. The distributor is actively looking at acquisition targets across the region as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

Martin Bichler, an experienced distribution manager, will head the branch in Europe's largest IT market. He brings channel expertise both from a manufacturer's perspective (Brocade and Pure Storage) and from a distribution perspective (Arrow ECS, Exclusive Network, Tech Data).

New value-add concept with AI Academy

Climb is entering the DACH region’s IT channel with a new value-add concept. In addition to the familiar VAD services such as product training, sales training, pre-sales, PoC and post-sales support or marketing support, Climb has created its own competence center for artificial intelligence with the ‘Climb AI Academy’. It offers IT partners a framework with custom AI training and helps them to gain a foothold in the booming AI market and stake their claims there.

The training programme 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 right models and tools, implementing the right IT infrastructure and AI solutions, and developing the necessary skills, methods and management tools. Important AI aspects such as security and compliance issues are also covered. Both Climb experts and complimentary vendor specialists moderate the training sessions.

Innovative providers and transparency

Climb's portfolio focuses on innovative solution providers with a strong AI focus in areas such as connectivity, data management, security, software lifecycle, storage and hyper converged infrastructures (HCI), virtualisation, and cloud. The portfolio includes Canonical, Superna, Scale Computing, Vast and Solarwinds. Climb is committed to delivering the best in-class emerging technologies and exceptional service and expertise to its partners.

AI enablement for partners

With the knowledge imparted and constantly updated by the Climb Academy, and the AI tools and applications from providers in the Climb portfolio, system houses, integrators, consultants, ISVs and MSPs can offer conceptual consulting and operational solutions in artificial intelligence to their customers. Given the dominance of AI topics, this provides partners with a significant competitive advantage in the highly competitive German IT channel.

“As a truly global distributor we’re delighted to launch in the DACH region and to bring our unique personal approach to the market. 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. In Martin Bichler we have a country manager who not only shares our vision but also has incredible experience throughout DACH. We are committed to growth in DACH and are actively seeking acquisitions,” said Dale Foster, CEO, Climb.

“Climb offers partners an attractive combination of interesting, AI-relevant manufacturers and its own AI Academy,” explains Martin Bichler, Regional Country Manager DACH. “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.”