Azlan sets out plans to extend Cisco partner activation

SMBiz University program and Webex training will enable resellers to develop higher level skills in Cisco Advanced Technologies.

Munich, March 1st, 2008: Azlan, Europe's leading distributor of enterprise networking, server, storage and enterprise software solutions, has announced plans to extend its Cisco partner activation program throughout the region and reach out to Cisco Registered partners as well as the vendor's Select partners.

Building upon reseller popularity for the Cisco SMBiz University program which offers resellers face to face technical and commercial skills training, Azlan have extended this initiative with additional classroom and internet based trainings.

Over the 18 months, Azlan has delivered Cisco Select training to more than 1500 delegates from resellers throughout Europe through its face to face SMBiz University training platform. The impact on the business for those resellers that have attended these trainings has been very positive. This classroom based platform is being extended to include resellers which are interested in joining Cisco's new Registered Reseller Partner Payment program (RRPP) but would benefit from gaining more knowledge of Cisco's value proposition, programs, promotions and products. Select resellers will also be invited to join new specialized training workshops to focus upon profitability, solution selling and Advanced Technology skills. SMBiz University trainings continue to be offered at no cost to the Reseller.

David Harvey, Director of Cisco Business Europe for Azlan, says that the extended engagement plans will build on the growth that Azlan has already achieved with Cisco over the past 18 months. "Since the SMBiz University program 15 months ago, we have successfully recruited and engaged with a significant number of Cisco Select Partners across Europe and seen substantial growth in our overall SMB business. We are now ready to embark on the next major phase of our recruitment and activation programme. Over the next few months we will continue to drive higher levels of engagement with Select Partners and extend our reach to Registered Partners as well."

Azlan will provide all Cisco Partners with opportunities to further develop their knowledge and skills of Cisco technologies, Harvey notes. "Whether they focus on the enterprise or SMB markets, a specific set of technologies and solutions or a vertical sector, VARs need to differentiate their businesses. Developing higher levels of skills and knowledge in Cisco technologies is a very effective way to do that - it marks the reseller out as a real specialist and leverages the power and credibility of the trusted Cisco brand."

In addition to the face to face trainings, Azlan is also committed to providing Cisco Registered and Select Partners with on-line access to WebEx-based training resources aimed at developing higher levels of knowledge of Cisco's products, promotions and programs. These Azlan SMBiz University WebEx sessions will be run on a monthly basis in most European countries and both Cisco Registered Partner and Cisco Select Partners will be able to register to attend. Azlan intends to run around 100 sessions between now and the end of July 2009, which is Cisco's financial year-end.

Sean Kendrick, European Director for Azlan Marketing and SMB commented: "Azlan is committed to enabling partners to accelerate growth within the SMB space. Resellers are increasingly looking for the type of distribution support which makes it easier for them to access advanced tech opportunities. We are seeing that as these partners move away from point product sales and into more profitable complex solution selling, commercial and technical skills training become high on their wish list."

In recognition of the success of this recruitment and activation program, Cisco presented Azlan with a distribution partner award for Partner Elevation at the Tech Data European Vendor Summit in Vienna.

David Harvey, European Cisco Director for Azlan, stated: "Azlan is delighted to have been recognized for its achievements in value-added distribution by Cisco. We work closely with Cisco and its partners to ensure that we are delivering the expertise, service and support that they need to drive the further growth and development of their business."

Award winners were nominated by their Cisco theatre sales teams. Selections were based on an ability to deliver incremental business, maximize profitability throughout the supply chain and align with key Cisco strategies. The winners were selected from the three segments of Cisco distribution partners: global, regional and specialty.

Note: Photography of Thierry Drilhon, VP European Channels at Cisco presenting the distribution partner award for Partner Elevation to Nestor Cano, European President of Tech Data, at the 2008 Tech Data European Vendor Summit in Vienna are available on request.

About Azlan

Azlan, the Enterprise Division of Tech Data Corporation, is a leading value-added distributor of networking, communications, midrange enterprise server, storage and software solutions in Europe. We enable fast, cost-effective pan-European distribution of products and solutions for market leaders such as Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), IBM (NYSE: IBM), HP (NYSE: HP),VMware (NYSE: VMW) and Oracle (NasdaqGS: ORCL).

Azlan provides a variety of other value creating services including channel development, marketing and sales support, training and certification, and finance programs designed to assist vendor and reseller partners in developing their SME and mid market opportunities. Azlan continues to build on its 25 year history of excellence, now as part of Tech Data, which acquired Azlan in March 2003.

Tech Data generated $24.1 billion in net sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2009. Founded in 1974, Tech Data (NASDAQ:TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 100,000 customers in over 100 countries.

Azlan Press contact:

Azlan Europe
Sean Kendrick,
Director Marketing & SMB
Azlan Europe
Mobile: +49 (0)175 7270 143
Email: sean.kendrick"@"azlan.com
Twitter: seankendrick