Tech Data gets Cisco's 'Wireless Specialization' certification first

The certification means that Tech Data team handling the Cisco brand is technically capable of handling an entire end-to-end wireless network connection project. Pradeep Angeveetil, Cisco unit business manager at Tech Data comments: "Our aim is to build a strong team here at Tech Data who, in its turn, capable of transferring the same technical skills at the reseller level." Achieving the reward falls under Tech Data's initiative announced earlier this year, "Build VAR Business with Tech Data," that aims at growing the revenue opportunities in the region by building the skillset required to strengthen technical specialization in the reseller channel.

Jon Saunders, regional sales manager for unified channels, Cisco Systems ME, comments: "We congratulate Tech Data for being always the leader in supporting our solutions and initiatives. Together, we aim at growing Cisco's networking business in the region by providing skills within the entire channel, capable enough to offer end-users the best consultancy, implementation and support."

The Wireless LAN Specialization has been awarded to Tech Data for it knowledge and expertise in building and maintaining end-to-end wireless network connections throughout or between buildings, without the limitations of wires or cables. This specialization focuses on the enterprise and small and medium-sized business markets, and the Cisco Aironet® wireless LAN products. The Cisco Aironet® wireless LAN portfolio of products bring cost efficiency and speed in installation for small to medium businesses on the outlook for a networking solution.
The certification also comes as a response to the alarming research results in the region that showed that fewer resellers are focusing their efforts on networked systems. The research, sponsored by Tech Data and carried out by Dubai-based research consultancy Paradigm, showed that while 68% of resellers surveyed in 2000 counted networked systems as part of their key product mix, that number has dropped to 51% in 2001. "There are two explanations for the drop; the first is a drop in market demand for networked solutions," says Saunders. "The second is that resellers do not see enough financial benefits from trading with networking solutions and this is primarily caused by their lack of expertise in supporting the systems," he explains.

With this certification, Tech Data staff are today the best technical and educational support for those resellers aiming at expanding their revenue potentials. "Tech Data customers can now offer Cisco's wireless networks for the small to medium businesses market, with the full support and backup of a Tech Data," ended Angeveetil.

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