CLEARWATER, Fla. (Feb. 3, 2009) – Tech Data’s Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Division (AIS) today announced the next stage in its data center infrastructure strategy by establishing the Cisco Solutions Group. The unit supports Tech Data’s entire solutions offering from Cisco Systems, the world’s networking leader. It will provide value-added resellers (VARs) with access to dedicated Cisco sales, marketing and systems engineering professionals now backed by the data center technologies expertise and solutions-oriented sales support of AIS.
“A significant technology shift is underway, converging processing, storage and networking solutions to redefine the traditional IT infrastructure,” says Pete Peterson, Tech Data senior vice president and general manager, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions. “The rise of server virtualization over the last few years was only the beginning in fundamentally changing how users design and implement IT strategies. Ultimately, the lines between devices like switches, routers, servers, storage arrays and even PCs will disappear in a fully optimized and much more efficient virtual data center environment.”
“As the market moves forward with solutions like storage virtualization, virtual desktops, hosted software applications and remote IT services, the network becomes a critical component of the data center,” says Chuck Bartlett, Tech Data vice president, Cisco Solutions Group. “This new and complex computing landscape presents great opportunity for Cisco VARs. Cisco will surely be a leader in the converged networking and data center space. Our Cisco Solutions Group will position VARs to take full advantage of that trend by providing the latest solutions, training, and sales and technical support.”
The Cisco Solutions Group is comprised of dozens of specially trained Cisco experts, including inside and field sales professionals, systems engineers, as well as business development, channel marketing and product management specialists, all working in close consultation with in-house and field-based Cisco representatives.
The Cisco Solutions Group is part of AIS, which was established two years ago to provide comprehensive sales support for VARs deploying the latest data center technologies, including industry-standard servers, storage, advanced management software and virtualization solutions. AIS established the channel’s broadest virtualization practice through partnerships with VMware, Virtual Iron, Vizioncore, DataCore and Parallels. Tech Data views virtualization as the driving force behind IT infrastructure optimization.
“There’s no doubt the data center is changing and the convergence of networking and data center technologies through virtualization is at the heart of that change,” says Joe Koenig, president, World Wide Technology, Inc. “Tech Data’s announcement today demonstrates their keen awareness and foresight of where this market is heading.”
Tech Data’s AIS team has been a strong partner of ours, and I’m confident the new Cisco Solutions Group will add tremendous value for us as well,” says Robert T. Girards, executive vice president and COO, The Ergonomic Group, Inc. “Networking and data center technologies are evolving, and Tech Data will help us make the most of that emerging opportunity.”
Experienced Leadership
The new unit will be led by Bartlett, who joined Tech Data in 2006 as vice president, Networking Product Marketing. He was responsible for the company’s networking division, including the development, implementation and execution of all marketing initiatives supporting networking, security, wireless, IP telephony, surveillance and video conferencing solutions from dozens of manufacturers including Cisco.
Since joining Tech Data, Bartlett has led numerous initiatives to successfully grow the distributor’s Cisco business, introducing exclusive new services and support for Cisco VARs. Bartlett has more than two decades of IT sales, marketing and distribution experience and has held senior leadership positions with manufacturers including National Semiconductor Corp. and Molex, Inc.
Changing How Cisco VARs Do Business
The Cisco Solutions Group supports VARs deploying all Cisco solutions, including traditional networking, indoor and outdoor wireless, unified communications and security. It also offers Cisco VARs the channel’s broadest array of services and support tailored to their specific needs. Tech Data’s CapacityBuilder educates Cisco VARs on how its extensive services offering-such as its Cisco Advanced Integration Services, Cisco Solutions Center at Tech Data, TDEducation technical training and TDOnCall technical services suite-can help them increase billable hours, enhance profits and streamline operations. Through CapacityBuilder, the company also provides Cisco VARs a wide range of e-business services, including promotional and special-bid pricing tools and SMARTattach automated SMARTnet registration.
To learn more about CapacityBuilder or any of Tech Data’s services for Cisco VARs, call the Tech Data Cisco Solutions Group at 800-237-8931, ext. 72101, or send e-mail to ciscosales@techdata.com.
