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Tech Data U.S. And Cisco Bring Network-Enabled Storage Solutions to Channel

Posted on: Monday, 24 April 2006, 12:00 CDT

IT resellers utilizing Tech Data Corporation's (NASDAQ:TECD) extensive networking expertise can now develop storage solutions using the Cisco(R) MDS 9000 Family of storage area networking (SAN) products. Tech Data today announced it has been selected as the first U.S. IT products distributor to offer Cisco MDS 9000 Family solutions to Cisco Advanced Technology Program (ATP) Partners.

"Critical functions such as business continuity, data backup and digital document retention are putting strains on storage resources for many companies," said Chuck Bartlett, Tech Data's vice president, Networking Product Marketing. "SAN-enabled applications like remote replication and continuous data protection enable resellers to present end users with compelling IT solutions that more efficiently manage their entire storage infrastructure. The MDS 9000 series of switches and directors provides resellers with increased flexibility when developing the secure, scalable solutions that enable businesses to maximize the availability of all their storage assets."

Tech Data will offer the entire line of Cisco MDS 9000 fabric switches, multilayer fabric switches and directors. These products are available to authorized Cisco ATP Partners when sold in conjunction with qualifying network hosted or network-assisted intelligent applications using the Cisco Storage Solution Module (SSM) in the MDS platform. The distributor also plans to broaden its storage solutions offering by expanding recruitment of storage software application developers, enabling resellers to deliver a greater range of versatile storage solutions to their end-user customers.

"Tech Data was chosen as the first distributor of the Cisco MDS 9000 Family because of their ability to offer our ATP Partners the products, services and specialized networking expertise needed to deploy the latest network storage solutions," said Dave O'Callaghan, vice president, Distribution, Worldwide Channels at Cisco Systems. "Tech Data's exceptional support of Cisco resellers demonstrates its commitment to ensuring our channel partners have the access and support they need to capitalize on new revenue opportunities."

"We rely on Tech Data's broad networking and storage product offerings to help satisfy the IT solutions needs of our customers," said Bob Olwig, vice president, business strategy for World Wide Technology in St. Louis. "Now that the Cisco MDS 9000 series is available through Tech Data, we'll be able to more efficiently procure, develop and deploy the latest storage solutions."

Tech Data's dedicated Cisco team will assist resellers in the process of becoming an authorized Network Hosted Storage Applications (NHSA) ATP Partner, which is required to sell the MDS 9000 series. Under the ATP, solution providers need to meet numerous qualifications to purchase these products including having an on-site demonstration and proof-of-concept lab incorporating storage, server, switches, network appliances and application solutions. Tech Data customers will be able to take advantage of the distributor's TDSolutions Center to satisfy this condition of the authorization process. Tech Data also has Cisco certified SAN experts and specialists in specific intelligent applications on staff that resellers can leverage to design and implement these solutions.

Dedicated Team of Professionals

Tech Data's award-winning Cisco team has been recognized by the manufacturer for outstanding support in the areas of technical services, e-commerce solutions, inventory management, education and sales. These dedicated teams of specialists cover all aspects of the business including product marketing, purchasing, sales and technical support. Visit http://www.techdata.com/business/cisco to learn more.

Award-Winning Performance

Tech Data's Networking Product Marketing Division has been recognized with numerous industry awards including a first-place ranking in the 2005 CRN Sourcing Study. Described as an "industry barometer of sourcing trends," the study asked solution providers to name their preferred sources and rate their performance on a varied set of criteria including support services. Tech Data's Networking Product Marketing Division took top honors for both the Networking Performance and Networking Preference categories, while the company was chosen as the overall "most preferred source" by technology solution providers for the third consecutive year.

About Tech Data

Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company's business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 107th on the FORTUNE 500(R), Tech Data generated $20.5 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2006. For more information, visit http://www.techdata.com.

Source: Business Wire

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