Ingram Micro ambitiously built its AI-based Xvantage digital platform for more than three years now. The distributor has poured 42 million lines of code, more than 400 AI and machine learning models, proprietary data mesh, and more than 1,000 engineers into what it calls an intelligent operating system for B2B commerce.

The investment resulted in Ingram being awarded two patents last week for Xvantage’s core AI capabilities. The patents were for its Dynamic SKU generation and Email-to-Order processing. Dynamic SKUs automatically update systems with real-time inventory, pricing and customer needs. Email-to-Order converts incoming emails into structured orders and synchronizes them across enterprise systems without human intervention.

"We are building proprietary technology that removes friction in how our industry operates," said Sanjib Sahoo, president of Ingram Micro’s Global Platform Group. "This is not something we started today with a sudden idea."

Ingram is keeping the U.S. Patent Office busy, having filed for 35 patents for Xvantage. Sahoo said these technologies change the way distribution works.

Sanjib Sahoo at 2025 Ingram Micro One

"The role of distribution is evolving," Sahoo said. "We're moving from just processing transactions to becoming consultants — working on outcomes together. Xvantage is that intelligent operating layer. Intelligence is the new operating system."

He stressed the importance of Ingram building its own platform, with a proprietary data mesh that holds 4 petabytes of data.

HyperFrame Research principal analyst Steven Dickens said those that build AI platforms rather than integrate others’ AI have an advantage.

“Within the B2B industry, the real opportunity isn’t simply integrating AI into existing workflows—it’s building platform-led capabilities that reduce friction, improve consistency, drive operational excellence, and result in improved business outcomes for the company and the ecosystem it serves,” Dickens said. “That’s where we’re seeing innovation-first leaders, including Ingram Micro, continue to invest, differentiate and grow using AI to build business advantages."

With dozens of patents in progress and a platform that spans data, AI, and partner engagement, Sahoo said Ingram Micro is positioned to offer MSPs the most valuable insights into their data.

“Many of our MSPs and partners recognize that AI requires significant investment, and they don't necessarily want to make that investment themselves. What they want is insights to answer questions like, 'Give me the next $500,000 opportunity' or 'Give me an attach opportunity.' AI is driving those insights.”