Ingram Micro North America Adds Cisco(R) MDS 9000 Series
New Infrastructure Technology Solutions Division offers Cisco channel partners a wider variety of network-enabled storage solutions and sales expertise
SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Making it easier to sell and support complex technologies, Ingram Micro's (NYSE: IM) Infrastructure Technology Solutions (ITS) Division today announced it is now offering Cisco's MDS 9000 Series of storage area networking (SAN) products including both fabric switches and directors.
This popular series of Cisco network-enabled storage products present an ideal complement to data-intense working environments and enable channel partners to build high-value storage solutions including virtualized networks and remote backup, as well as business continuity and data protection services. The products are now available to select Cisco channel partners holding MDS Fabric Switching or Network Hosted Storage Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) designations in the U.S. and Canada.
"With data stores growing larger and larger, the need and demand for high-performance SAN solutions among small and mid-size businesses is rapidly increasing. Previously only niche markets like gaming, entertainment and Web 2.0 organizations required SAN solutions, but now we are seeing deployments across a much wider array of businesses and market verticals," says Scott Look, ITS vice president, Ingram Micro North America. "By adding Cisco's MDS 9000 Series, we're expanding the ITS storage portfolio and providing our channel partners with direct access to several in-demand technologies that are proven to deliver a sustainable return on investment to businesses of all sizes. Demand for these business critical technologies will continue to rise and the time is now for solution providers to build and grow their storage expertise."
To help solution providers achieve the appropriate Cisco designations, Ingram Micro's dedicated Cisco team and ITS Division are offering technical and sales training, as well as general market education and targeted certification assistance through the distributor's world-class Solution Centers in Buffalo, N.Y. and Santa Ana, Calif. Field resources such as credit analysts and sales, marketing, and technical engineers are also available.
"In less than five months, our ITS Division has optimized existing alliances with legacy players HP and IBM, earned the business of mid-market giant EMC and expanded our relationships with Hitachi Data Systems, Emulex and now Cisco," concludes Look. "We continue to build momentum by bringing to market the tools, technology and support our partners need to grow their business and make selling complex technologies easier and much more profitable."
The Cisco MDS Fabric Switching and Network-Hosted Storage Application ATP designations are available to Cisco channel partners who have fulfilled specific program requirements. Both designations complement Cisco's OSM (original storage manufacturer) go-to-market strategy by helping solution providers strengthen their relationship with Cisco and its OSM partners, the primary distributors for the Cisco MDS 9000 Series.
"The addition of the MDS 9000 Series enhances our expanding Cisco line card and introduces a number of potential revenue streams for our emerging and existing Cisco partners," adds Ken Bast, vice president, vendor management, Ingram Micro U.S. "Through targeted recruitment, training and education we will continue to grow Cisco's channel relationships and bring to market the business-building resources solution providers need to successfully sell Cisco products."
Solution providers interested in learning more about Cisco's MDS 9000 Series, as well as the MDS Fabric Switching and Network-Hosted Storage Application ATP programs, please contact Ingram Micro's High-End Storage Technical Support team at (800) 445-5066 x76429.
About Ingram Micro
As a vital link in the technology value chain, Ingram Micro creates sales and profitability opportunities for vendors and resellers through unique marketing programs, outsourced logistics services, technical support, financial services, and product aggregation and distribution. The company serves more than 150 countries and is the only global broadline IT distributor with operations in Asia. Visit http://www.ingrammicro.com.
SOURCE Ingram Micro
Released November 12, 2007