The VAR Guy

Avnet Technology Solutions is introducing a new joint initiative with Cisco Systems and NetApp, offering U.S. and Canadian resellers the option to sell validated data center solutions based on Cisco and NetApp’s “FlexPod” for VMware. If virtualization and data are up your alley, read on …

First, a refresher on FlexPod, the love child of NetApp and Cisco: It’s a jointly developed virtualization, storage and networking infrastructure consisting of pre-approved, pre-packaged, interoperable devices and hardware linked together to create a blueprint for deploying data centers in VMware environments. FlexPod is specifically optimized for virtualization and scalability — two important things when dealing with data centers.

Avnet’s plan is to help resellers deliver FlexPod data center solutions quicker, simpler and with greater profitability. With data needs on the rise, it makes sense. Under the new initiative, Avnet is an authorized distributor for Cisco, NetApp and VMware and now can act as single source for the product, assembly, testing and technical support a partner would need to deploy the solution. In addition, Avnet resellers can use their traditional channel programs from these suppliers when selling the FlexPod for VMware.

Pre-sales support, quoting, testing, shipping and tracking all are available via Avnet, and partners can work with an Avnet team member to support all the components of FlexPod. Partners also can call upon Cisco, NetApp and VMware experts. If the pre-packaged data center solution isn’t enough for their customer’s need, partners also can work with Avnet Technology Solutions to get help with hardware integration, software configuration and regular maintenance.

With the data center playing an increasingly crucial role in next-generation infrastructures, FlexPod could be an easy yet impactful way for resellers to get in the game. Bringing the sales pitch down to earth makes it easy for the customer to understand, which benefits the reseller beyond the initial sale (think: upsell opportunities). Sounds like a win for partners working with Cisco and NetApp too, but sound off in the comments and let us know what you think.

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