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Avnet Technology Solutions Offers Cisco and NetApp Resellers a Single Source for All Their Data Center Needs
[May 18, 2011]

Avnet Technology Solutions Offers Cisco and NetApp Resellers a Single Source for All Their Data Center Needs


(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 18 May 2011 Release date- 17052011 - Tempe, Ariz.-Avnet Technology Solutions, an operating group of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), today announced a joint initiative with Cisco and NetApp to provide reseller partners in the U.S. and Canada with validated data center solutions based on the FlexPod design architecture.



Avnet will now provide its partners with a single source through its newly introduced FlexPod Services for all the products, assembly, testing, technical expertise and support they need to successfully bring FlexPod to market, highlighted by VMware solutions. Additionally, since Avnet is an authorized distributor for Cisco, NetApp and VMware, Avnet resellers will be able to utilize their traditional channel programs from these suppliers when selling FlexPod for VMware solutions.

'Data centers are transforming toward shared infrastructures to increase agility and reduce costs, and FlexPod is designed to simplify this evolution,' said Scott Look, vice president and general manager, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, Technology Infrastructure Solutions group. 'Working jointly with Cisco and NetApp, Avnet focused on creating a suite of services to shorten and simplify the sales cycle, making it easier for our channel partners to go to market with FlexPod solutions. Avnet's FlexPod Services and our single-resource capabilities mean that our resellers and their customers are ensured a consistent and positive experience.' The new FlexPod Services, available to Avnet partners, are designed to help channel partners deliver FlexPod solutions faster, easier and more profitably. They include: pre-sales support, consolidated quoting, single order capability, assembly and testing, ship complete and tracking. Additionally, partners will be able to work hand-in-hand with a dedicated Avnet team to support all of their FlexPod needs, as well as draw upon additional support and expertise from Avnet's dedicated Cisco, NetApp and VMware teams.


'Avnet is uniquely qualified to offer this FlexPod advantage because of its solutions distribution expertise and relationships with core data center technology suppliers, such as NetApp,' said Todd Palmer, vice president of America Channels, NetApp. 'Avnet can deliver everything from assembly, validation and test services to world-class support through its Global Solutions Center. Avnet will help NetApp partners sell the right FlexPod solutions needed to help customers transition to flexible and efficient shared IT infrastructures, enabling them to efficiently manage their cloud environments.' Additionally, partners can choose to work with Avnet's solutions architects to provide them with hardware integration, software configuration, packaging and logistics, and maintenance services. These services include: custom cabling and racking; application uploading; configuration and testing; virtualization partitioning; operating system installation; custom image loads; and database installation. Avnet's integration services augment partners' existing resources, allowing them to focus on their core business strategies, while relying on Avnet's world-class supply chain services to complete the sales process. Avnet will integrate these solutions utilizing its Global Solutions Center in Chandler, Ariz.

'Why should I invest resources in assembling, testing and configuring custom FlexPod solutions for my customers when Avnet can do it faster and more cost effectively, all while delivering outstanding support?' said Jonathan Groves, senior vice president of technology for INX, a leading IT solution provider and Avnet partner. 'FlexPod Services from Avnet allow me to focus our resources on core business strategies while they handle the complexities of solutions development and supply chain management.' FlexPod is a pre-validated data center design architecture, which includes industry leading computing, storage and networking components from NetApp and Cisco. It provides a flexible, shared data center infrastructure optimized for virtualization and can easily scale to meet customers' needs. As a certified Cisco UCS B-Series Authorized Configurator (UBAC) and Cisco UCS C-Series Authorized Configurator (UCAC), Avnet already has a proven track record of assembling, configuring and developing complex data center solutions.

Follow Avnet Technology Solutions, North America on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AvnetAdvantage.

About Avnet Technology Solutions As a global IT solutions distributor, Avnet Technology Solutions collaborates with its customers and suppliers to create and deliver effective solutions that address the business challenges of their end-user customers locally and around the world. For fiscal year 2010, the group served customers in more than 70 countries and generated US $8.19 billion in annual revenue. Avnet Technology Solutions (www.ats.avnet.com) is an operating group of Avnet, Inc.

About Avnet Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers in more than 70 countries worldwide. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended July 3, 2010, Avnet generated revenue of $19.16 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

NetApp, the NetApp logo, Go further, faster, and FlexPod are trademarks or registered trademarks of NetApp, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The use of the word 'partner' or 'partnership' in association with NetApp's name does not imply a legal partnership between NetApp and any other company.

VMware is a registered trademark and/or trademark of VMware, Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions.

Media Contact: Marcia Chapman Brodeur Partners, for Avnet [email protected] 480-308-0284 [Editorial queries for this story should be sent to [email protected]] ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2011 Electronic News Publishing -

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