Westcon Group Further Extends Relationship with Brocade to Help Companies More Effectively Harness the Power of Virtualization

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Oct. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Westcon Group, a value-added distributor of category-leading unified communications, infrastructure, data center, and security solutions with a global network of specialty resellers, today announced the full integration of Brocade products into the distributor's LEAP "Centers of Excellence" in Denver, Colorado.  Founded in 2010, each LEAP (Learn, Experience, Architect and Plan) Center is engineered to replicate a real-world data center.  This allows for actionable testing of scenarios that customers face when deploying virtualization and private cloud infrastructures.

During an event held today at the LEAP Center, Westcon and Brocade offered a glimpse into this new functionality -- incorporating solutions ranging from switches and backbone routers to wireless LAN.  Key products operating within the training center now include those from the Brocade NetIron router, BigIron switch, TurboIron top-of-rack switch and FastIron switch portfolios.  Also included are ServerIron ADX and Brocade 6510, as well as the Brocade VDX 6720 data center switches.

"While virtualization and cloud computing are certainly top-of-mind for many companies, most have little insight as to how it will actually perform within their infrastructures," said Andrew Warren, Vice President, Westcon Group.  "To understand the impact of virtualization, partners require a highly interactive, hands-on experience that mirrors their customers' real-world data center environments.  That's where our LEAP initiative comes in."

Westcon's LEAP Centers permit resellers to test and experience an array of high-growth solutions, including high-performance virtualized computing platforms, virtualization-enabled core switching, virtualization provisioning, network virtualization, LAN and Storage Area Network (SAN) switching platforms, application networking, virtualized unified communications, virtualized applications, and unified data center management. Full functionality is available both on-site and via remote access.  

Today's announcement builds on the companies' recently expanded agreement, enabling Westcon to offer both the Brocade IP/Ethernet and SAN networking portfolios in key markets worldwide.  Together, the company's IP/Ethernet networking and SAN products are the foundation for Brocade One – an innovative approach to designing networks and helping customers smoothly transition to a world where information and applications reside anywhere.

"Brocade cloud-optimized networking technologies provide a solid foundation for customers looking to deploy virtualized and cloud-based solutions within their data center environments," said Laurie Potratz, Senior Director of Americas Channel Sales, Brocade.  "The inclusion of Brocade products within Westcon's LEAP Centers is a valuable addition that will enable resellers and their customers to not only experience the advanced capabilities of these products first-hand, but also to understand how they interoperate with other technologies to ensure a smooth, trouble-free implementation at the customer site."

Each LEAP Center is a proof-of-concept facility and the cornerstone of Westcon's broad-based mentor/reseller enablement framework -- including the company's Path-to-Partnership Brocade Reseller Development Program.  Key enablement offerings include accelerated training, business planning, vendor leverage, and demand generation – all of which may be deployed to assist partners in expanding their portfolios. This environment can be customized for the reseller to replicate an end-user's data center infrastructure.  In addition to the center's advanced technological benefits, the LEAP curriculum helps partners better articulate the business benefits, justification and ROI for each solution – increasing confidence and ultimately sales.

Resellers can schedule an appointment at the LEAP Center by contacting their local Westcon representative, or by visiting the LEAP Center site at www.westcongroup.com/leapcenter.

To hear Westcon executives discuss Brocade technologies operating within the LEAP Center, please visit http://youtu.be/fKUbOFP2JtA

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About Westcon Group

Westcon Group, Inc. is a value added distributor of category-leading unified communications, infrastructure and security solutions with a global network of specialty resellers. Westcon's teams create unique programs and provide exceptional support to accelerate the business of its global partners. Strong relationships at every level of the Westcon Group organization enable partners to receive support tailored to their needs. From global logistics and flexible customized financing solutions to pre-sales, technical and engineering assistance, the company works with partners to respond with agility and speed to changing market conditions so they can achieve the fastest time to revenue. Westcon Group's portfolio of market-leading vendors includes: Brocade, Juniper Networks, F5, Polycom, Check Point, and Blue Coat. For more information, please visit www.westcongroup.com.

Media Contact:
Craig Librett
Westcon Group
(914) 357-1747
[email protected]

SOURCE Westcon Group