Avnet Technology Solutions, a solutions distributor and operating group of Avnet, Inc., has signed an agreement with Force10 Networks, a leader in high-performance data centre networking, to expand distribution of its complete portfolio of open, standards-based networking hardware and software solutions from across North America to include EMEA. The agreement, which will initially focus on the UK, France, Germany, Benelux and Italy, will enable Avnet's business partners to deliver end-to-end network solutions for the modern data centre.
"To support the expansion of web 2.0 and portal sites, storage and server virtualisation, cloud services and automation, there is a growing market demand for core-to-edge one, 10 and 40 GbE network solutions. Force10's range of core and top-of-rack switching products and software complements Avnet's existing networking and security portfolio," said Keith Robinson, product business group director, Avnet Technology Solutions, EMEA. "Together we've created a channel program that will help our partners meet this market demand and address their customers' business challenges in a more integrated way, adding additional value and driving up the revenue and margin," added Robinson.
This comprehensive programme will enable Avnet's partners to quickly and easily capitalise on the revenue opportunity that Force10 presents.
"The agreement with Force10 is an example of how Avnet, through its global scale and scope, is able to identify opportunities for growth and add value to its business partners by giving them access to new suppliers and areas of technology," added Bruce Hockin, head of business strategy, networking, security, unified communications and open storage, Avnet Technology Solutions, UK.
The Force10 channel programme will provide upfront investment in sales and technical training, including the availability of demo units, and support from a marketing and sales perspective, helping to reduce the cost of entry into the data centre networking marketplace for Avnet's business partners. This investment will be supported by professional services, technical support and accredited training as part of Avnet's service proposition.
The extended Avnet/Force10 distribution agreement is well timed as it comes shortly after Force 10's announcement of its Open Cloud NetworkingSM (OCN) framework, a new vision for cloud and conventional data centres that is built on open architectures, open automation, and open ecosystems. A key element of that announcement was a major expansion of Force10's Open Automation Framework.
"Open Automation 2.0 is a standards-based approach to network automation that optimises data centre network performance and efficiency," explained Michael O'Brien, vice president of Channels and Alliances, Force10 Networks. "Force10's open and innovative approach enables data centres to implement Force10's switches and routers without disrupting existing infrastructure, operations or policies."
With offices and an established networking business partner base across EMEA, Avnet will enable Force10 to extend its reach and presence in the region. "In addition, its broad range of value added services and the proven success of its operational infrastructure will add value to Force10's existing channel partners," concluded O'Brien.
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