Cisco awards exclusive channel program to Tech Data

The program, according to Cisco's channel manager, Jon Saunders, aims at helping Cisco's authorized channel capture an anticipated growing need for networking products. "The small to medium market is the fastest growing sector in the Middle East. SMB Engage brings a variety of tools that Cisco resellers can use to capture the opportunity in the market."

An IDC research in October 2002, commissioned by Tech Data, showed that the majority of resellers catering to the small to medium market expect demand for networking solutions to rise by up to 20% in the GCC and up to 30% in the Levant. Dorian Breakspear-Coyle, Cisco business unit manager at Tech Data said: "Cisco is a leader in the small to medium networking spectrum where there is still a growth opportunity. SMB Engage delivers to the channel the tools to deliver proven Cisco solutions and will re -enforce customer knowledge of emerging technologies."

Cisco certified resellers should register online for the Cisco partner journal to gain access. Once registered, resellers will have access to a large pool of freely available marketing, training, sales, knowledge tools and best networking deals. These, comments Breakspear-Coyle, bring excellent opportunities to the channel.

Saunders ends: "SMB Engage is a serious program and needs a serious partner to make it a success. Tech Data has the online capabilities, the breadth of resellers regionally and the depth of expertise in Cisco products to drive and implement the program."