Westcon Adds Brocade SAN Technology to Data Center Lineup

Westcon Group Inc. said that it has added storage area network (SAN) technology from Brocade Communications Systems Inc. to its solutions lineup, a move the distributor characterized as rounding out its end-to-end data center strategy and an extension of an existing relationship for the vendor’s IP/Ethernet networking technology.

The distributor said that it will add to its data center roster Brocade’s 16 Gbps and 8 Gbps fibre channel backbones, switches, adapters and associated software; VDX 6720 Ethernet fabric switches; Network Advisor network management solution; and, SAN transceivers.

Patty Gray, Westcon vice president, global vendor relationships, said that adding the Brocade SAN technology to its current IP/Ethernet offerings is a “major milestone for us, immediately solidifying our leadership in the fast-growing distribution market for next-generation data center technology.”

Westcon said that it will include the Brocade SAN technology in its data center-oriented LEAP centers, which offer channel partners hands-on training and a facility to demonstrate solutions to customers and attend briefings.

Gray said that to promote the Brocade SAN technology to its channel base, Westcon has initiated a new branding program called Path to Partnership to push consistent messaging, selling resources, training options and access to marketing tools.

“This program takes existing Brocade partners through the entire converged solution,” she said. “Westcon is focused on helping our partners deliver cloud-optimized networking solutions to facilitate the smooth transition to a virtualized world.”

William Corbin, Westcon executive vice president, global vendor relationships, said that the deal will expand Brocade’s reach to markets and resellers worldwide and afford the distributor a critical element for its data center solutions program.

He said that Westcon’s global footprint, service provider focus, geographic reach and technology and expertise in its convergence and security business helped it to land the Brocade SAN solutions.

Barbara Spicek, Brocade vice president, global channels, said that channel partners will benefit from the companies’ expanded relationship.

“Westcon is clearly one of the market’s leading distributors, offering resellers access to some of the best data center technologies in the world, as well as deep networking expertise,” she said.

“As customers begin to adopt cloud architectures – private, hybrid or public – resellers will surely benefit from the level of support and technical know-how that Brocade and Westcon can offer,” she said.