Westcon goes global with Cisco

Networking titan Cisco and distribution partner Westcon have inked a standardised global deal to ease business across geographical borders.

The multi-year deal gives the two firms a single contract from which to manage all their global, regional and local business. Westcon is the first Cisco Global Distributor to sign such a deal and the companies are looking to ramp up business in emerging markets such as Africa and Latin America.

Cisco and Westcon worked together in more than 60 countries last year. Bill Corbin, the distributor's vice president of global strategic relations, claimed the deal would benefit ambitious VARs.

"This agreement creates a solid framework for both Cisco and Westcon Group to deliver value to the reseller community faster and more efficiently, no matter where they are in the world. It also underscores the broad trend towards cross-border deployments of technology which engender greater complexity due to regulatory and financial risks.”

Dave O'Callaghan, vice president of distribution, worldwide channels at Cisco, added: "Globalisation is changing the face of business, creating a new set of competitive dynamics and evolving traditional business models. To better serve our customers in this global economy, Cisco is evolving its partner ecosystem and channel programmes.

"Westcon will be our first global logistics and distribution partner, helping Cisco and our channel partners streamline business transactions for global customers.”