Avnet signs Cisco and IBM VersaStack deal

Avnet will provide its channel partners in six countries in Europe with the VersaStack integrated solution from Cisco and IBM. As a result, the distributor says it will enable partners to drive new data centre and storage market growth across Austria, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK.

The VersaStack solution combines the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) Integrated Infrastructure with the IBM Storwize storage system. The Cisco UCS Integrated Infrastructure includes Cisco UCS, Cisco Nexus MDS switches and UCS Director. VersaStack will be backed by Cisco Validated Design (CVD) reference architectures and is designed for cloud, big data and enterprise applications.

Avnet’s VersaStack offering is supported by SolutionsPath, its business development methodology to help partners identify converged infrastructure opportunities and help them deliver solution-led offerings. Avnet can also make available its integration centre in Tongeren, Belgium.

Dieter Lott, vice president business development at Avnet Technology Solutions EMEA, said: “Avnet is uniquely placed as a distributor for VersaStack thanks to its long-established relationships and proven capabilities with Cisco and IBM. These relationships will prove equally beneficial for both suppliers, enabling them to leverage our experience of working with both parties.

“The addition of VersaStack to our converged and hyper-converged infrastructure portfolio strengthens our position as the leading value-added distributor in converged solutions.”