Brocade weaves Alliance

Vendor pushes for unity in its channel and hopes to tempt more partners with low cost training

Working together: Brocade is uniting its storage and networking partners

Brocade is uniting its storage and networking resellers under one roof and is hoping to attract new partners with low-cost training.

The launch of the Alliance Partner Network follows on from the storage giant’s acquisition of Foundry Networks in December. It consists of four levels: Distributor; Elite; Premier; and Select.

Training is free for Elite partners while Premier partners will enjoy 50 per cent off, which Barbara Spicek, vice president of worldwide channels at Brocade, said would appeal to resellers’ bottom lines.

“VARs are consolidating their portfolios because they cannot keep up with the certifications and margins are eroded by other players over distributing,” she said.
“The programme will ensure Foundry resellers have a home.”