C2000 resellers look to Horizon for training

Computer 2000 (C2000) is offering training to its Cisco resellers through a link-up with training company Horizon. The partnership, to be launched officially on 1 July, is the first that Horizon has signed.

Computer 2000 (C2000) is offering training to its Cisco resellers through a link-up with training company Horizon. The partnership, to be launched officially on 1 July, is the first that Horizon has signed.

C2000 said it will initially offer the full portfolio of Cisco training and accreditation to 20 resellers, with expansion planned depending on its success.

Clive Hailstone, general manager for Cisco at C2000, said the company's reseller base is keen to be trained up on new Cisco accreditation levels required in new technologies.

"Times are changing in networking, which has meant that there are a lot of resellers looking for new areas of turnover in new technologies, such as IP telephony and wireless networking," he said. "This training will add value to reseller businesses by offering them a competitive advantage in new technology areas."

Dave Kelly, regional sales manager for distribution at Cisco, said the initiative was well timed. "Our new partner programme goes live in September and this is a good way for C2000 resellers to get up to speed in the new specialities," he said.

C2000 has seen a 300 per cent increase in the number of resellers dealing in Cisco equipment over the last 12 months and Hailstone described the partnership as being "too good to miss".

"We have spoken to Horizon in the past but nothing got off the ground. Now we are more geared up for it," he explained.

Horizon has traditionally trained end-users within large corporates and enterprises, but this deal suggests that the company is moving towards the channel.