Ingram seals Cisco global deal

Tomorrow, the world: Cisco VARs can buy from Ingram with standardised terms in more than 150 countries

Ingram Micro has become the second distributor to sign a standardised global contract with Cisco, covering 150 countries across the globe.

VARs buying Cisco kit and services from Ingram will now be able to do so with consistent terms, conditions and procedures across the world. The distributor has also set up a Global Order Desk which aims to ensure sales in all territories comply with tax and other legal requirements.

In April, Westcon became the first of Cisco's Global Distributor partners to sign a standardised worldwide deal with the vendor. Five months later, the distributor launched its Comstor Worldwide business unit to focus on global Cisco sales.

Tech Data is now the only one of Cisco's Global Distributors not to have signed a global deal, although earlier this year Cisco indicated that discussions about such a contract have taken place.

Ken Bast, Ingram's vice president of vendor management, said: "Ingram Micro's new global contract with Cisco allows our resale partners to take full advantage of business opportunities on a worldwide scale.

"Now, our customers will be able to expand into new markets, as well as support their existing global clients with quicker product availability, which will ultimately shorten their sell cycle and positively affect their balance sheets."

Cisco's vice president of distribution Dave O'Callaghan added: "Cisco is on the forefront of evolving traditional business models and programmes to support globalisation, and of operating as 'one Cisco'. This new global contract is another example of how our solid partnership with Ingram Micro can benefit not only our two companies, but also any solution provider looking to expand its global footprint."