Avnet Technology Solutions is launching in initiative designed to help VARs build success in the lucrative virtualization market, a fast-growing area for channel partners. The distributor is rolling out a series of training programs designed to bring VARs quickly up to speed on how best to provide virtualization solutions.

The program, dubbed VirtualPath University, is patterned after similar initiatives Avnet recently launched in the government (GovPath University )  and healthcare (HealthPath University) markets. It will provide VARs with understanding about the market, as well access to the tools and technologies used in it.

 “VirtualPath University is a key element of our strategy to arm partners with the expertise needed to accelerate their growth in this exploding market,” said Tim FitzGerald, Virtualization and Consolidation solutions leader for Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas. “The curriculum includes information and resources that our partners need to develop successful virtualization practices. They’ll be challenged in classes with labs and role-playing exercises aimed at helping them execute more effectively when they return to their companies.”

The training involves three days of comprehensive study that focuses on such areas as understanding virtualization and its place in the market; the business trends affecting the IT marketplace; how virtualization solutions fit into the IT fabric of companies; and the business benefits of virtualization solutions.

Company officials said participating VARs also will receive a step-by-step interactive toolkit that outlines each component of the virtualization sales cycle and includes resource information on how to execute more effectively on the workshop concepts.

Channel partners said the training effort should provide them with practical knowledge about the virtualization field and the expertise to begin building a practice focused on the relatively new technology.

“Virtualization is a booming market and holds a great deal of opportunity. However, it requires a very unique skill set,” Steve Giondomenica, president of solution provider CMI, said in a prepared statement. “VirtualPath University is a great way to get Avnet's partners quickly up-to-speed on the market." 

The first VirtualPath University class is scheduled for September 8-10 in Roseland, N.J.  Avnet said additional information is available at www.ats.avnet.com/virtualpathuniversity.

TAGS: virtualization, technology, distributor, Avnet, VARs

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