Cisco VARs remain loyal despite HP trade-in push

Cisco VARs remain loyal despite HP trade-in push

Cisco resellers have dismissed HP ProCurve’s Switch from Cisco campaign and are adamant it will make little impact on the channel.
The scheme runs from September until the end of the year and offers resellers the chance to cash in on their Cisco products, paying up to double the rebate usually offered when trading in Cisco units for HP ProCurve.
Resellers have described the move as ‘aggressive’, but believe Cisco’s position as market leader
will not be affected.
Howard Russell, a director at Cisco reseller Signature Works, said: “It is certainly an aggressive move and is something that goes on quite often, but I can’t see ProCurve making too much of an impact. Cisco is the market leader for a reason. It is reliable and its products are superior to ProCurve. It will take more than money to change people’s minds.”
Mark Adams, managing director of Galtec Solutions, agreed, saying ProCurve should target other areas of the market before moving in on Cisco’s territory.
He said: “Cisco customers are confident in the brand. ProCurve will have its work cut out if it is to make any sort of impact.”
However, Bob Brace, head of product marketing at ProCurve reseller Azzurri Communications, said: “There are people willing to switch brands. If ProCurve targets them it can make the promotion work.”
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