Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX company, has announced an exclusive partnership with GitLab Inc., the provider of DevSecOps Platform, bringing GitLab on as their DevOps vendor. The strategic partnership is aimed at addressing the DevSecOps and application modernisation market demand for partners and customers.

Application modernization is increasingly becoming a priority with 86% of enterprises in Asia Pacific indicating it as a top IT priority. In this era of constant digital transformation, this partnership enables the go-to-market (GTM) strategy for channel partners and independent software vendors across Tech Data's Asia Pacific and Japan region, by leveraging the benefits of application modernisation and DevOps.

"Today, with the rise in the need for speedier software development and relatively simple upgrades to existing deployments, there is an increased focus on rapid IT service delivery through the adoption of lean and agile practices by businesses," said Bennett Wong, vice president of advanced solutions – MDC (modern data centre) & analytics, Tech Data Asia Pacific and Japan. "Due to the increasing demand for process automation, a growing number of startups and rapid digital transformation, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness a market growth of 26.3% during the forecast period (2021-2030). Through our partnership with GitLab, we believe we will be able to accelerate application modernisation and offer a complete and secure portfolio of DevOps solutions."

"GitLab is excited to build a strong partnership with Tech Data," said Dirk de Vos, director of channels, Asia Pacific, GitLab. "We are eager to add to the GitLab Partner Program across Asia Pacific, and we look forward to the additional expertise that Tech Data can provide, being included in their centre of excellence as well as support in the region."

GitLab's open source DevSecOps platform empowers organizations to maximize the overall return on software development by delivering software faster and more efficiently while strengthening security and compliance. It provides all the essential DevOps tools in a single DevOps platform from ideation to production, improving cycle time, reduction in development costs, and increasing speed to market.

For Tech Data, GitLab's DevSecOps platform will be its centerpiece of application modernization and fits perfectly with its other database and analytics offerings. It will also be available through Tech Data's Centre of Excellence (CoE) which enables the partner community with its practice builder enablement framework and through service-as-offerings.

GitLab's DevSecOps platform will be available through the partnership with Tech Data in eight markets across Asia Pacific and Japan, namely Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.

In other news, TD SYNNEX has announced that CRN has recognized 19 of its co-workers to the Women of the Channel list for 2023, including two individuals named to the Power 100 list.

"This is a well-deserved achievement for all the TD SYNNEX co-workers recognized for a meaningful impact not just on our company, but also on the industry," said Peter Larocque, president of North America technology solutions, TD SYNNEX. "It's an honor to work alongside these accomplished leaders who also serve as role models and mentors for our rising talent. TD SYNNEX'S commitment to social responsibility starts by ensuring an inclusive and welcoming work environment, and we look forward to building on those efforts as our organization continues to evolve."

Every year, CRN recognizes women from vendor, distributor and solution-provider organizations whose expertise and vision are leaving a noticeable and commendable mark on the technology industry. The CRN 2023 Women of the Channel honorees bring their creativity, strategic thinking and leadership to bear in a variety of roles and responsibilities, but all are turning their unique talents toward driving success for their partners and customers.

"We are ecstatic to announce this year's honorees and shine a light on these women for their significant achievements, knowing that what they've accomplished has paved the way for continued success within the IT channel," said Blaine Raddon, CEO, The Channel Company. "The channel is stronger because of them and we look forward to seeing what they do next."

TD SYNNEX employees recognized as top Women of the Channel this year include:

• (Power 100 Recognition) Willa Flemate, senior vice president of sales
• (Power 100 Recognition) Stacy Nethercoat, executive vice president of advanced solutions
• Melissa Clayton, vice president of sales
• Trisha Cooke, vice president of engineering
• Desiree Cruz, senior director of product management
• Tiffany Embry, senior director of sales
• Brenna Farahvashi, vice president of inside sales
• Ulla Glover, director of vendor management
• Monique Griggley, senior director of IT engineering
• Tracy Holtz, vice president of cloud
• Ashley Love, Lenovo IDG business development
• Jessica McDowell, senior vice president of business development & security strategy
• Emily McFadden, director of product management
• Calhoun McKinney, senior director of product business management
• Kaye McMillan, senior vice president of sales development & communities
• Cheryl Neal, vice president of new vendor acquisition & global solutions
• Brianne Small, director of vendor marketing
• Shannon Stack, director of the Lenovo Infrastructure Solutions Group
• Dez Tsai, senior director of pre-sales enablement

As part of its overall DEI strategy, TD SYNNEX dedicates significant resources to the professional development of female co-workers and aims to increase representation of people who identify as women to 40% of leadership roles by 2030. The company developed a mentoring program to support and guide female senior managers and directors and established listening circles to provide women with a safe and confidential space to discuss workplace and personal challenges. The company also bolsters inclusion and community-building efforts through Elevate, its business resource group dedicated to attracting, retaining and advancing women.