Brocade empowers channel to increase expertise in convergence and cloud technologies

face="Times New Roman, serif"> href="http://dqchannels.ciol.com/content/services/winshop/110062902.asp">Brocade
announced that it has optimized the Brocade Alliance Partner Network
(APN) to prepare and reward partners who invest in developing
knowledge-rich practices to address new technology trends such as
virtualization, network convergence and cloud computing. Along with
these new updates, Brocade has also introduced a full set of
intelligent, customizable tools that enhance the 'quality in
partnership' to enable the channel to fully maximize its potential as
a Brocade business partner.

Earlier
this year Brocade introduced Brocade One, the
unifying network architecture and strategy that simplifies the
complexity of virtualizing applications and
enables the migration to a world where information and services are
available anywhere in the cloud. To align with this strategy,
Brocade has updated the APN program to better support the needs of
partners as they help their customers make the transition towards
network convergence. Recognizing that this will be a gradual process,
Brocade has created program initiatives to reward partners who invest
in acquiring the knowledge and skill sets that will help them become
trusted advisors to their customers. To
level the playing field and reward partners for acquiring deep
networking expertise, Brocade APN partnership levels will be more
focused on skills and expertise, rather than strict revenue
requirements. Under these new guidelines, partners will be able to
increase their level of partnership and receive benefits by achieving
certifications and accreditations, as well as by demonstrating
convergence-based technology expertise.

face="Times New Roman, serif">To
further strengthen the APN program, Brocade is introducing several
new initiatives to channel partners, as described below.

face="Times New Roman, serif">Value
Incentive Programs

face="Times New Roman, serif">To
increase revenue growth, the new Brocade Value Incentive Programs
(VIPs) are true pay-for-performance programs that focus on quality in
partnership deliverables, such as specializations and a set of
measurable objectives, as a way for partners to increase their
incentive payouts on a cumulative basis. Open to both distributor and
Elite reseller partners, the VIPs are structured to reward and
recognize partners who invest in expanding their personnel expertise
and skill sets.

face="Times New Roman, serif">Focus
on Specializations

face="Times New Roman, serif">Based
on standard industry certifications, Brocade Specialized Partner
designations help channel partners differentiate themselves in an
increasingly competitive marketplace. Earlier this year, Brocade
introduced the Network Infrastructure Specialization, which was
developed to recognize partners who offer both Brocade Storage Area
Network (SAN) and IP/Ethernet products. The latest in this series,
the Data Center Infrastructure Specialization rewards partners who
possess a broad knowledge base and deep expertise in converged data
center network design and protocols. Additional designations, such as
the Application Delivery Specialization and the Virtualized Fabrics
Specialization, are planned for the early part of 2011. As a key
component within the reseller VIP, the progressive nature of the
Brocade Specialized Partner designations is intended to logically
align with end-customer needs, helping partners establish themselves
as experts in strategic technologies.

face="Times New Roman, serif">Partner
Enablement Tools

face="Times New Roman, serif">Brocade
has also added the following to its existing set of partner
enablement tools, which are available via the MyBrocade Web portal:

• face="Times New Roman, serif">APN Mobile Application,
  which provides anytime, anywhere access to sales tools, program
  information and updates

• face="Times New Roman, serif">APN Quick Clips, which
  delivers the latest news and information to partners

• face="Times New Roman, serif">APN Marketing Resource
  Center, an online site where partners will be able to create customized
  promotional items, communications vehicles and demand generation
  campaigns

• face="Times New Roman, serif">APN Global Partner
  Locator, a customizable, easy-to-use site that helps end customers
  search for and find partners who offer the products and services they
  need, which will be available in November 2010 on the Brocade Web site

• face="Times New Roman, serif">APN Product Configuration
  Tool that allows partners to quickly configure Brocade solutions and
  efficiently provide quotes to customers, which is planned for
  availability in early 2011

href="http://www.ciol.com/Technology/Networking/News-Reports/Brocade-converged-switch-module-for-BladeCenter/142510/0/">Brocade
converged switch module for BladeCenter