F5 Program Helps Partners Drive Data Solutions Biz

F5 Networks Inc. (FFIV) has announced that its ARX Select program for North American channel partners has strengthened F5’s Data Solutions business. The goal of the ARX Select program, announced in July 2009, is to reward F5’s best ARX partners for driving incremental business. The program defines a new level of relationship designed to build business with channel partners who have the required skills, storage expertise, and desire to lead with ARX for file virtualization opportunities.

“The ARX Select program underscores F5’s commitment to the file virtualization market and our channel partners who can add real value and help drive our Data Solutions line of business,” said Dean Darwin, vice president of Worldwide Channel Sales at F5. “The program encourages deeper engagement surrounding ARX deployments and motivates partners to differentiate their services from other F5 partners selling ARX. Scalar is an excellent example of a partner who has met the ARX Select criteria and has clearly differentiated themselves as a key strategic storage partner for F5.”

To become an ARX Select partner in North America, a reseller must meet certain requirements as published by F5. Once these requirements are met, the partner automatically earns ARX Select Tier status, which entitles the partner to increased profits when closing ARX business, and access to leads from F5 sales teams.

During F5’s FY 2009, the company’s ARX revenue grew each of the past three quarters, with recent FYQ4 results reflecting 13 percent year-over-year growth compared to FYQ4 2008. The ARX customer base has diversified significantly with growing customer deployments across the health care, construction/architecture, media, government, energy, manufacturing, retail and pharmaceutical verticals.