Cisco Certifies Avnet to Configure Unified Computing System Servers

By Doug Allen

Cisco has certified distributor Avnet Technology Solutions to carry and configure the companys Unified Computing System C-Series of blade servers. As an Authorized Configurator for the line, Avnet can configure C-Series servers, including their processors, memory, hard drives and adaptors, to speed up deployment times for customers and channel partners. While Avnet is the first distributor to receive this designation in the U.S. and Canada, Cisco has also just granted the same status to Ingram Micro.

Avnet is targeting a number of resellers for these solutions, including VARS, direct VARs, Ciscos Authorized Technology Providers, Gold, Silver and Premier partners, and ISVs, all of which will work with Avnet on designing, building, configuring and integrating these offerings with Ciscos broader data center portfolio.

Data centers are extremely complex environments, and CIOs and IT managers want to work with partners that understand how to develop holistic solutions that specifically address their unique business challenges, said Chris Swahn, vice president and general manager of Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, Cisco Solutions Group. As an authorized Cisco configurator, Avnets integration services will enable our channel partners to provide their enterprise and small-to-mid-sized customers with built-to-order data center and virtualization solutions.

Avnet will provide a wide range of services to these partners, including hardware integration, software configuration, and packaging and logistics. In addition, maintenance services cover custom cabling and racking, application uploading, configuration and testing, virtualization partitioning, operating system installation, custom image loads and database installation. All configuration and integration will take place in Avnets Global Solutions Center in Chandler, Ariz.

Lewan & Associates has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Avnet, said Greg Hagerl, Cisco product manger, Lewan & Associates. We were excited to hear about Ciscos addition to Avnets line card because it opens up even more opportunities for us to transform our customers data centers. Ciscos data center vision and Unified Computing System technologies, coupled with Avnets forthcoming ability to integrate Ciscos data center solutions, position us well to deliver more manageable, scalable and efficient data center solutions to our customers. Integration services also provide us with a significant competitive differentiator and create an internal revenue stream which results in a win-win for everyone.