A Word of Correction or at Least Reason

Ingram Micro released a press release today about the relationship with HTG (which we announced months ago actually – July in Houston to be exact) and because of their clout it is on every news service known to mankind. That is one of the benefits of working with Ingram – they do know how to get attention from press and vendors. If you haven’t read it, check it out at these two links currently with more coming I am sure:

CRN Story - http://www.crn.com/it-channel/212500324;jsessionid=OIG5Q1TGN12OGQSNDLOSKH0CJUNN2JVN

Echannel Story - http://www.echannelline.com/usa/story.cfm?item=24025

So there is need for a few words of clarification. Always interesting to see how news comes out. Here is the real skinny.

- HTG is still HTG and will be called such and continues to be totally independent from Ingram – they are contracting with HTG to provide peer group services for their members that qualify
- HTG is managing all peer groups and activities (contrary to what the story in CRN says)
- Much of the activity will involve online groups
- Ingram is providing help with vendor management and backend infrastructure
- Ingram is allowing all HTG members to receive the benefits of their SMBA program and will help recruit partners that are a fit
- Ingram is helping with vendor recruitment, vendor contracts and fundraising

So the reality is that we as HTG are getting the industry leader’s help in building out our program and bringing additional benefits to our members, and we are helping them provide value to partners in their program that want and qualify to get involved in a peer group. It really is that simple. A win for both of us. So if you read the article and got excited – take a deep breath – it is business as usual for HTG. We didn’t sell out or give away the farm. Quite the opposite. Actually it is not just business as usual but business much better than usual with HTG 2.0. We are going to have a fantastic year as we add more and more value to this program. There are some fantastic changes happening to companies that leverage their peers in our community, and the best is just beginning. I look forward to making it even better as we continue down the path together. Have a Merry Christmas!