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ChannelOnline faq

Channel Online provides resellers the opportunity to view price and availability for solutions and services from several distributors simultaneously, including Bell Micro catalog.

This tool provides product availability across distribution channels while incorporating your pricing as applicable.

For more information about this relationship, please view the below FAQs.

1. Why is Bell Micro signing up to feature its catalog on ChannelOnline?

ChannelOnline is a unique service that allows many of our customers to still realize the value of our products while making the buying process as efficient as possible. Some of our partners may not have systems to handle price and availability information and thus ChannelOnline provides a very low entry point for this service.

2. Can I still be connected directly to Bell Micro?

Yes, our flexible architecture allows us to trade with you via EDI, FTP, XML or A2. Typically these connections are reserved for high volume/ high transaction environments that warrant the cost.

3. Will using ChannelOnline add any cost to the transaction vs. picking up the phone and calling you?

No. In fact the ChannelOnline program is designed to reduce cost at the transaction level. These savings are then used to fund other value added services.

4. Can I see the status of all my open orders placed with Bell?

Currently ChannelOnline supports the Bell Micro daily file for price & availability. Currently, there is no ability to view status of Bell Micro purchase orders. This functionality is available to supported suppliers who have ‘autofulfill’ enabled in ChannelOnline. This functionality is being considered by Bell Micro.

You can view all the manual Purchase Orders you have created for Bell Micro, and manually, or via XML, update the status of the purchase order. To view the manual Purchase Orders, select the View icon beside Bell Micro under the Admin|Suppliers|Supported Suppliers area of ChannelOnline.

5. Can I place orders through ChannelOnline?

Yes, ordering through ChannelOnline is now available.

6. What will I see on ChannelOnline?

Once you enter the FTP file credentials you will be able to view Bell Micro cost & availability along side their other suppliers within ChannelOnline.

7. How do I get started with Bell Micro in the ChannelOnline environment?

You will need to set up an account with us. If you are not a current Bell Micro customer, the first part of this process includes completing our reseller application, your tax resale information and providing credit references. To begin this process, visit our sign-up page.

Once received, the application will be assigned the correct partner manager who will help complete the rest of the application process and generate the information you need with ChannelOnline. Our partner managers are trained to assess your storage requirements and match you with the correct pricing and services model that best suits your needs.

8. How long does it take to become a Bell Micro customer?

Applications usually take 5-7 days to process once we receive them.

9. If I already have a Bell Micro Account, how long will it take to set up the FTP file for ChannelOnline?

This process typically takes 2-3 days.

10. I want to speak with someone today to begin this process, who do I contact?

Email all inquiries to Channelonline@bellmicro.com and you will receive a call from us typically in 4 hours or less.

11. Why can't I see some manufacturers (Hitachi Data Systems for example) price and availability?

Hitachi Data Systems and other vendor partners have closed sourcing arrangements. These arrangements typically last for one year, and require certain levels of sales, certifications and purchasing commitments. Please feel free to contact you partner manager and request information on the specific products. Once you are authorized, you will be able to see your price and our availability.

If you still have further questions, or need more information please contact Bell Micro at assistance@bellmicro.com or call us at:

Reseller Sales Team 800.291.2070

OEM Sales Team 800.995.1999

System Builder Sales Team 800.291.2070

Government Reseller Sales Team 800.673.7461