Brocade bags Computacenter as first SI partner

Vendor boosts its networking market push with signing of corporate reseller

Amanda Giddins: Brocade will be able to leverage Computacenter’s extensive enterprise networking product expertise

Brocade claims its investment in the EMEA channel has paid dividends after mega-VAR Computacenter signed up as the vendor's first systems integrator (SI) partner.

The networking and storage manufacturer recruited former Nortel executive Amanda Giddins as EMEA channel director a year ago. She recently revealed the UK channel team has tripled in size under her stewardship.

The partnership with Computacenter will see the corporate reseller given access to Brocade's entire range of networking gear. The Hatfield-based VAR will push the portfolio out across the UK and Brocade claims the signing will further its goal of becoming a major player in the datacentre space.

“Brocade will be able to leverage Computacenter’s extensive enterprise networking product expertise and solution support to help customers build extraordinary networks," said Giddins. "On the back of our recent expansion and investment in Brocade’s channel team, I am excited by this announcement and am looking forward to seeing the partnership flourish.”

Colin Williams, leader of Computacenter's Networking Practice, said his firm's channel muscle, coupled with Brocade's networking technology, provided a "unique market opportunity".

“As businesses seek to drive cost of out the network, Brocade’s solutions can help our customers converge network resources, thereby reducing physical assets and increasing performance," he added. "By partnering with Brocade, we are now able to offer industry-leading networking solutions that deliver true end-to-end business advantage."