Broadline distributor Tech Data Corp., of Clearwater, Fla., has added software-defined networking and network functions virtualization solutions from Brocade Communications Systems Inc. to its Avnet Cloud Marketplace.
Officially acquired by Tech Data last month along with Phoenix-based Avnet Inc.‘s Technology Solutions unit, the Avnet Cloud Marketplace is now the first online distribution point for San Jose, Calif.-based Brocade’s software networking product family.†That family includes virtual routers, virtual application delivery controllers, SDN controllers, and related solutions.
“Enterprise Networking is one of the key strategic business opportunities that Technology Solutions has identified for its partners’ success worldwide,” said Cheryl Neal, Tech Data’s vice president for data and networking solutions, in a prepared statement. “By adding Brocade software into our Cloud Marketplace, our partners will be able to deeply engage in this market and provide their customers with value-focused solutions that align with their technology needs for cloud computing, software-defined networks and virtualization.”
Solution specialists at the former Avnet Technology Solutions will offer supplementary guidance on using Brocade SDN and NFV products as elements of complete cloud solutions. That’s an example of the expert, hands-on assistance Tech Data hoped to add to its existing capabilities when it bought the group now known simply as Technology Solutions for $2.6 billion.
“Technology Solutions’ resources, proven business practices and industry expertise will help extend Brocade’s reach into the cloud market,” said Kelly Herrell, senior vice president and general manager for software networking at Brocade, in press remarks. “Our joint partners will be able to rely on Technology Solutions’ experienced team to provide market and technical knowledge.”
The global market for SDN products and services will reach $70.41 billion by 2024, according to Grand View Research Inc.
Tech Data added cloud solutions from HotLink Corp., ParkMyCloud, and Zadara Storage Inc. to the Avnet Cloud Marketplace last week, and gave its resellers access to Technology Solutions’ immersive online training platform last month.
Greenville, S.C.-based SYNNEX Corp., one of Tech Data’s top competitors, announced a deal of its own with Brocade 2 weeks ago to distribute the networking vendor’s ICX campus switches and provide associated network and security assessments, onsite installation, training, and other services.
