Avnet Technology Solutions has unveiled a new data protection solution built using IBM and Brocade technology for solution providers in Canada and the U.S.
The solution enables channel partners to address the disaster recovery and business continuity challenges specifically in the mid-market, while further enhancing data centre and storage offerings. The new offering combines services from Avnet with software and hardware from IBM and Brocade. The solution offers data replication features that securely transport data to remote sites over any distance.
Mark Martin, vice president of business development and marketing for Avnet, said while companies recognize that disaster recovery and business continuity plans are critical, they can be resource intensive to implement. Avnet worked with IBM and Brocade to design a cost-effective, secure solution that helps mid-market enterprises protect their data and information assets. With this solution, our partners will be able to competitively differentiate themselves and drive additional storage sales by offering a solution that addresses their customers’ technology and financial issues.
With this solution, partners will be able to provide their customers with the ability to restart processing in their back-up data centers at the point of disruption. Instead of locating and loading back-up files, a customer’s remote data centre can immediately continue transactions from the most current point reached at the primary data center, saving time and improving customer service.
The solution can be customized but the baseline offering includes the IBM Storwize V7000 controller, remote mirroring software, and IBM/Brocade SAN06B routers (which include encryption, data compression and bandwidth management). This technology comes with services from Avnet, including the installation and implementation of the solution and overall project management. The services from Avnet enable solution providers to expand their own IT services capabilities or obtain additional bench strength when needed, according to the Tempe, Ariz.-based distributor.
“Our mid-market customers struggle with disaster recovery and business continuity,” said Chris Mierzwa, vice president of storage solutions, Sirius Computer Solutions, an IT solutions integrator and Avnet partner. “They know they need robust technology and solid processes, but high-quality solutions in this space typically come with high prices. Avnet’s new solution is an attractive proposition since it is specifically designed for mid-sized companies without the money and resources to implement what their businesses require. It provides the industry-leading technology at an affordable entry point. By including services, software and hardware in one integrated solution, it facilitates a successful deployment and further enhances our role as a trusted advisor to our customers.”
With more than 25 years of IBM distribution experience, Avnet offers a wide variety of enablement services for business partners related to the data center, including in-depth sales and technical training, as well as market education. Additionally, Avnet offers pipeline development and support, including lead generation and appointment-setting campaigns, customized end-user demand generation events, and executive briefings to close opportunities. Avnet also provides live and virtual demonstration capabilities for the new disaster recovery and business continuity solution, enabling partners to show potential customers how the solution would work in their IT environment. Business partners can also gain greater specialization in the data center through Avnet’s SolutionsPath practices, focused on high-growth vertical markets, including energy, finance, government, healthcare and retail.
