Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX company, has introduced new capabilities within its Destination AI framework to help partners in Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) develop and scale artificial intelligence (AI) practices for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
The expansion includes SMB-focused experiences in AI Game Plan and Cloud Labs, a new AI Skills Marketplace in StreamOne and an AI Skills Foundations course for partners. The additions are intended to help partners identify AI use cases, validate them through proof-of-value engagements and deploy solutions for customers.
As AI adoption grows across the region, SMBs are seeking solutions that are easier to implement and demonstrate measurable business value. Destination AI is designed to give partners a structured approach to moving from identifying customer needs to deploying and supporting AI solutions.
The framework is organised around five pillars: enablement, discovery, proof of value, delivery and adoption. Tech Data said the approach is intended to help partners replicate successful engagements across SMB customers and create opportunities for recurring revenue.
The new capabilities include AI Game Plan experiences to help partners prioritise AI use cases based on customer requirements, and Cloud Labs environments where partners and customers can test use cases before deployment.
The AI Skills Marketplace in StreamOne provides access to reusable AI capabilities for common business functions, including sales, marketing, customer support, operations and knowledge management. The AI Skills are available at no cost, while their adoption could create opportunities for partners through increased AI licence uptake, consumption and demand for related services.
A new AI Skills Foundations course will help partners build the knowledge needed to identify, position and support AI opportunities.
“SMBs aren’t short on enthusiasm for AI, but what they often lack is guidance on where it can deliver real business value,” said Anand Chakravarthy, Vice President, Advanced Solutions at Tech Data Asia Pacific and Japan. He said partners play a role in identifying relevant use cases, validating their value and helping customers implement them.
Chakravarthy added that the framework would help partners move beyond general productivity applications, such as drafting emails and presentations, towards AI solutions addressing core business processes. The company plans to expand the skills, business domains and use cases available through Destination AI as adoption grows.