Brocade Adds Specializations to Partner Program

Seeking to assist its partners in becoming more adept at selling multiple networking technologies, including those in the cloud, Brocade has developed a series of specializations within its Alliance Partner Network program.

The specializations, the first of which is available immediately with others rolled out throughout the next year, combine industry-standard certification with Brocade-specific testing. The idea is to help channel partners expand their knowledge base of different networking technologies.

Brocade will kick off the specializations with its Network Infrastructure Partner Specialization, designed for solution providers who deal with Brocade’s SAN and IP/Ethernet products. To qualify, partners must have both a Brocade Certified Network Professional and a Brocade Certified SAN Manager designation, and hold either Elite or Premier partner status.

Other specializations planned later this year include the Brocade Virtualized Fabrics Partner Specialization and the Brocade Application Delivery Partner Specialization.

Such specializations are becoming more important to channel partners as they look for ways to distinguish themselves from their peers, add to their expertise and make themselves more marketable. Just like the M.D. at the end of a doctor’s name, certifications hold weight with customers. There is an inherent trust factor that goes along with certifications, especially as networking technologies evolve and move from the wire closet to the cloud. In helping its channel partners gain that expertise, Brocade is providing the opportunity to help them garner that trust.

Sign up for The VAR Guy’s Newsletter, Webcasts and Resource Center. And follow him via RSS; Facebook, Identi.ca and Twitter.