press releases
Tech Data U.S. to Deliver NetApp® StoreVault™ SMB Storage Solutions to Channel
CLEARWATER, Fla. - June 5, 2006 -- Building upon its portfolio of exclusive storage offerings, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD) today announced that Network Appliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTAP) has named it the only U.S. distributor of NetApp® StoreVault™ storage solutions designed for the small-to-midsized business (SMB) market.
"Whether it's ensuring critical data is accessible in case of disaster or complying with regulations that mandate increased digital document retention, businesses of all sizes are turning to IT resellers to develop innovative, cost-effective storage solutions," said Pete Peterson, Tech Data's vice president, Systems Product Marketing. "That presents new revenue opportunities for our customers, and the addition of NetApp's StoreVault line provides access to the channel's latest SMB storage solutions to help them capitalize on that demand."
"Tech Data and our VAR partners are critical to NetApp success in the SMB market," said Sajai Krishnan, general manager, StoreVault, a NetApp Division. "NetApp is poised to demonstrate complete commitment to SMBs by creating a reseller-only selling model with Tech Data, which relies on VARs as the trusted advisors and IT solution architects to meet the needs of SMB customers."
Comprehensive Channel Strategy
Through its StoreVault channel program, NetApp has established a team of dedicated sales and technical specialists to support StoreVault resellers purchasing through Tech Data. Beginning on June 8, 2006, resellers will be able to access the StoreVault Web portal where they can begin the authorization process, purchase pre-configured or customized solutions, research product information and review any program or promotional opportunities. The StoreVault Web portal can be found online at: http://partners.storevault.com/register.aspx. StoreVault storage solutions will be available for purchase by qualified value-added resellers only.
"Since the StoreVault solutions will be available only through SMB VARs like us, NetApp is demonstrating its commitment to protecting our margins and the value-add we provide our customers," said Joe Sykora, president and CEO of InterSpace Computers. "We think the StoreVault products will have great appeal to our SMB accounts looking for innovative storage solutions scaled to meet their needs."
Tech Data will recruit and help authorize resellers for the new StoreVault storage solutions. NetApp will engage Tech Data's TechSelect membership community of SMB resellers that leverage exclusive offerings and share best-practices to grow their businesses. NetApp also will participate in SMBAccess, Tech Data's comprehensive sales and marketing program that assists resellers in identifying services, products and programs they can leverage to more profitably capitalize on revenue opportunities in the SMB market.
To help introduce resellers to the StoreVault, Tech Data will feature the storage solutions in its TDSolutions Center, a 4,500-square-foot, hands-on, proof-of-concept lab that enables resellers to demonstrate the latest IT solutions for their end-user customers. The TDSolutions Center showcases a wide array of IT solutions including networking, VOIP, security, document management, professional audio/video installations, storage, video conferencing, point-of-sale (POS) and systems building.
Exclusive Storage Offerings
NetApp is the latest industry leader to select Tech Data to introduce new storage solutions to the channel. In April, Tech Data announced it had been named the only U.S. IT products distributor to offer Cisco MDS 9000 Family solutions to Cisco Advanced Technology Program (ATP) Partners. Tech Data offers the entire line of Cisco MDS 9000 fabric switches, multilayer fabric switches and directors. These products are available to authorized Cisco ATP Partners when sold in conjunction with qualifying network hosted or network-assisted intelligent applications using the Cisco Storage Solution Module (SSM) in the MDS platform.
Tech Data customers can call (800) 237-8931 or visit www.techdata.com to learn more about the distributor's extensive storage offering.
About Tech Data
Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ: TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company's business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 107th on the FORTUNE 500®, Tech Data generated $20.5 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2006. For more information, visit www.techdata.com.
NetApp is a registered trademark and Storevault is a trademark of Network Appliance Inc. in the US and other countries.
CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Jarred LeFebvre/Tech Data Corporation
(727) 539-7429, ext. 86261
jarred.lefebvre@techdata.com
