Data Center OverviewEnterprises and midsize companies are engaged in an ongoing effort to protect their valuable information and assets from internal and external attacks. These companies must find ways to regain control over their information and IT assets to protect their businesses and ensure regulatory compliance. Data management is the first step toward becoming more efficient and profitable. When organizations are in control of their data, they can be confident in their ability to survive any disruption or disaster that threatens their critical business functions. Cisco offers two comprehensive data center networking specializations:
Partners holding one or both of these specializations can assist enterprises and midsize companies to deploy distributed, centrally managed data center solutions that are designed to:
Grow Your Business: Building a Data Center Practice (video - 43 min.) The Advanced Data Center Storage Networking Specialization complements the Cisco Original Storage Manufacturers (OSM) Storage fulfillment strategy for the Cisco Multilayer Director Switch (MDS) series of products by recognizing partners for their knowledge and expertise in selling, designing, installing, and managing comprehensive storage networking solutions. The specialization is focused on all opportunities by providing the benefits of intelligent networking in local initiatives, as well as comprehensive solutions between multiple sites and across geographies. Achieving an AdvancedData Center Storage Networking Specialization boosts your company's value with prospects and customers by enhancing your ability to deliver advanced storage networking solutions. These solutions provide you with a distinct advantage over competitors who may focus only on connectivity and price. The Cisco MDS architecture is based on advanced storage networking technology and integrates with a customer's end-to-end networking needs. This program is intended for Cisco channel partners and channel partners of OSMs that have been approved by Cisco (such as EMC, HP, IBM and Hitachi Data Systems) and Solution Technology Integrator (STI) Partners (such as Xiotech, Network Appliance, and NEC) who may or may not also be a Cisco partner. Partners considering the Cisco Advanced Data Center Storage Networking Specialization must have an OSM or STI reseller relationship to source MDS products for resale, as all product sourcing is managed by the OSM and STI partners. Partners applying for this specialization that do not have a direct agreement with Cisco will be required to sign the Cisco Indirect Channel Partner Agreement (ICPA). Partners should have a baseline proficiency in fibre channel storage area network (SAN) protocol, however may or may not have an IP background. The Advanced Data Center Storage Networking Specialization allows you to deploy and support a highly scalable, reliable, and available multiprotocol solution that can either be centrally located or distributed by using traditional IP Networks. The Advanced Data Center Storage Networking Specialization focuses on the following Cisco MDS 9000 Series of intelligent SAN solutions: Cisco Storage Products
Cisco storage networking products may only be purchased from recognized Original Storage Manufacturers (OSMs) and Solutions Technology Integrators (STIs). |
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