HDS offers its partners a vendor-neutral route
Storage vendor hopeful that partners will benefit from knowledge of SNIA certification programme
Storage vendor Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) has become the first Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) member to incorporate the association’s vendor-neutral certification into its own reseller training and certification programme.
HDS told CRN that the move was based largely on the IT industry’s continuing march towards interoperability. It is also designed to validate the skills of partners in the implementation, support and administration of the vendor’s storage products.
Andrew Fitzgerald, UK channel sales director at HDS, said the certification will ensure all of its partners were versed at integrating HDS storage technology alongside an end-user’s existing storage base.
“It’s a benefit for partners to be able to show a level of SNIA knowledge. We hope it will add value for them when making a sale.
“The industry is rapidly evolving and HDS is trying to show that everyone needs to begin thinking about interoperability, hence the decision to have a vendor-neutral element for our partners,” he said.
Wayne Adams, SNIA chairman, said in a statement: “HDS has taken a leadership role in the storage industry by using the SNIA certification model as the foundation for its certification programmes.”
HDS has also claimed that its partners would benefit from increased peer recognition, expanded market visibility, and increased skills and domain knowledge.
Mark Walker, director of open storage at distributor Bell Microproducts, said HDS had been inconsistent with its channel partners in the past, but added that this decision to launch vendor-neutral training was a very good move.
“We always try to deliver vendor-neutral training, but it’s not always suitable for every reseller, such as those only reselling EMC kit.
“Partnering with SNIA is a good move and shows a practical appli-cation of SNIA in the channel. This year will be the one for HDS’ involvement with its channel partners,” he said.