Lawson Software makes channel appointment

Software and services solution provider, Lawson Software, has appointed Axel van der Smagt as its partner engagement director of Australia & New Zealand.

The newly created position coincides with the vendor announcing its first local partnership with JIS Australasia, a provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications, services and technical support solutions.

Van der Smagt said an increase in sales meant the vendor required greater capacity to reach the market.

"Lawson works with partners overseas, but previously it was handled internally in Australia. My focus is to develop services partnerships, find partners in our specialist verticals and develop partnerships with specialists who can offer complementary solutions," he said.

Verticals markets Lawson has customers with include fashion, food and beverage, manufacturing and distribution as well as asset-intensive industries.

Van der Smagt said the vendor was developing and rolling out a training program that will get future partners certification in the functional and technical areas of Lawson solutions.

"We're looking for a limited number of partners - not more than a handful," he said.

Van der Smagt's appointment brings the vendor's local staff number to around 120. It has a similar number of customers here.

Prior to joining the vendor, van der Smagt was responsible for mid-enterprise delivery with SAP. "I've been working with different organisations in this space for a long time. I think Lawson has the right product and position to be a player in this market," he said.