Dell Inc. is looking to expand its Internet of Things (IoT) portfolio with the expertise of more than two dozen partners, including Microsoft and SAP SE.

The company launched its IoT business unit just last year, introducing its new gateway device that’s able to collect, aggregate and analyze the enormous wave of data that billions of smart “Things” are expected to generate in the coming years. This year, Dell also rolled out new embedded PCs to further push its IoT gambit.

Now, with Cisco Systems Ltd. Officials still proclaiming that there will be more than 50 billion connected devices in the world by 2020, and with International Data Corp. (IDC) saying global IoT spending will hit $1.3 trillion by 2019, Dell is looking to bring its partners into the game.

Dell already offers a lot of IoT solutions, including its gateways and embedded PCs, as well as its cloud infrastructure solutions and data integration and analytics software, but there’s more to be done by getting some friends on board. Dell is effectively saying it can’t do everything, and there’s greater value to be had all round by teaming up with its partners.

To do so, Dell is launching a new IoT Solutions Partner Program, which is designed to merge Dell’s own widespread IoT portfolio with those of various independent software vendors. The idea is that doing so will help customers to find their way through what is rapidly becoming a very fragmented market.

“Dell believes that opportunities increase when you help others win,” said Andy Rhodes, executive director, commercial IoT solutions, in a statement. “We are passionate about collaborating with this strong group of companies and believe ISVs are critical in building the bridge between the exciting industry potential of IoT and profitable market reality.”

Dell has already secured 25 partners, such as Microsoft, SAP, General Electric, Software AG and Kepware, among others. Dell, together with Kepware and Software AG, are already working to create IoT-enabled predictive maintenance models based on distributed analytics that can be used to tame operational problems like maintenance and unplanned downtime. Together with Microsoft and a company called Blue Pillar Inc., Dell is also working on an automated demand response solution that will help utility firms to maintain their grids.

Finally, Dell said it’s working with SAP to create technologies to help companies deal with business continuity and equipment effectiveness.

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