Bell adds networking to HP enterprise play

Distributor claims it can help HP make a dent in Cisco's customer base after bagging HP Networking rights

Ed Callacher: Networking was always the missing piece of our HP enterprise play

HP has handed distributor Bell Micro access to its full networking portfolio shortly after completing its $2.7bn (£1.7bn) acquisition of 3Com.

This will mean Bell can offer resellers HP’s full enterprise line-up encompassing servers, storage and networking, in line with the vendor’s new Converged Infrastructure vision.

On 1 May, 3Com ally Bell was awarded HP Networking distribution status, joining incumbents Ingram Micro, Computer 2000, Westcoast, Anixter and Comstor.

Bell will continue to have a relationship with the 3Com entity for six months while its products and channels are integrated into HP Networking – HP’s new networking brand encompassing ProCurve and 3Com.

Ed Callacher, divisional leader, Networking and Security at Bell, said the contract extension will allow Bell to help 3Com partners transition to HP Networking.

But it will also enable HP server and storage distributor Bell to offer HP’s full enterprise line-up for the first time, stressed Callacher.

“It was always the missing piece of our HP enterprise play,” he said. “We had traditionally plugged it with 3Com, but this makes it nice and neat for resellers who want a single-vendor solution.”

Callacher argued that it is an exciting time for networking because HP’s 3Com buy puts it “right in Cisco’s heartland".

“HP’s ProCurve range was lacking at the high-end and 3Com gives it the depth of product it needs to tackle all customers,” he said.

“This should allow HP to make a dent in [Cisco’s] traditionally very strong and loyal customer base.”