Brocade Selects Avnet and Tech Data as Distributors

Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. has selected two strategic North American distribution partners to help expand its existing data center distribution network to enterprise IP networking products via channel reseller partners. Brocade selected Avnet Technology Solutions and Tech Data Corporation for their ability to efficiently deliver networking solutions to channel reseller partners, as well as their extensive knowledge, skills, and expertise in the networking industry.

The selection of these distributors is one element of the new Brocade global channel partner program. The new channel reseller program consists of four distinct partnership levels: distributor, elite, premier, and select. All levels have been designed with specific requirements and benefits to help partners leverage and be rewarded for their networking product knowledge and solution support expertise. As part of this partner-enablement strategy, Brocade will provide partners deal registration to help ensure project and investment protection. In addition, Brocade has extensively expanded its dedicated sales, marketing, and technical support model to support these high-quality partnerships.

Brocade will continue to sell storage networking products through Arrow, Bell Micro, and InfoX as well as Avnet and Tech Data.

“Brocade is pleased to be partnering with Avnet and Tech Data in order to expand our route to market for industry-leading networking products. Customers will now be able to purchase enterprise IP networking products and services through channel resellers via our new North American distribution partners, in addition to OEMs and direct from Brocade,” said Barbara Spicek, vice president of worldwide channels at Brocade. “By partnering with Avnet and Tech Data, Brocade channel resellers will be able to leverage their extensive data center networking and enterprise IP networking product expertise and solution support to help customers build extraordinary networks.”

“As Avnet continues to build its portfolio of IT infrastructure solutions, Brocade’s networking products are a natural fit,” said Gavin Miller, vice president and general manager, Technology Infrastructure Solutions, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas. “Our partners will benefit from complete solutions incorporating Brocade’s full range of products supported by Avnet’s extensive assessment, integration, and implementation services and our vertical market, virtualization, and security practices.”

“In addition to Brocade storage solutions, Tech Data now supports Brocade high-end IP networking products through our Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Division,” said Pete Peterson, senior vice president and general manager, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Tech Data. “Through our consultative, solutions-oriented sales support and technical expertise we will enable Brocade’s partner ecosystem and help those VARs profitably capitalize on the demand for optimized data center solutions.”