Big Switch Networks Unveils Global Partner Program

Big Switch Networks Unveils Partner Program

Big Switch Networks, a provider of hyperscale data center networking technology, launched its global Big Partner Program, which includes incentive, training and enablement programs. With alliances across North America, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and the Asia-Pacific markets, the company has more than 25 partners.

The new program provides partners with preconfigured starter kits to ease proof-of-concept (POC) software-defined networking (SDN) deployments. These kits include hardware, cables, optics and Big Switch software, which are designed to lower POC risk and accelerate production deployments. Big Cloud Fabric and Big Tap Monitoring Fabric solutions are available to partners, including VARs, system integrators and consultants.

The Big Partner Program is designed around three key pillars: collaboration, channel friendliness and profit. As part of the collaboration pillar, Big Switch offers partner enablement and training, with dedicated marketing development funds, including channel marketing support and packaged channel campaigns, to deepen new and existing partner relationships.

On the channel friendly count, Big Switch said it offers easy-to-use programs to register opportunities and protect investments. The company hosts a labs environment that channel customers can access online to experience the ease of use of network operations through a centralized controller approach without the need to ship physical hardware. In addition, the starter kits simplify POCs and accelerate pilot deployment.

Under the profitable pillar, the partner program offers a new authorized reseller/distributor discount and incentive structure to help maximize profitability and offer effective deal registration, said the company. The new program is designed to be simple with standard discounts by partner type, stackable incentives for deal registration and promotions for deal accelerators in the first half of 2015.

Tech Data Beefs Up Mobile Portfolio

Tech Data expanded its carrier portfolio through a Master Solution Provider agreement with AT&T as part of its Channel Alliance Program. Under the agreement, Tech Data acts as an agent for AT&T, offering a portfolio of mobile activations, products and solutions in the United States via its Tech Data Mobile Solutions division. As an authorized Master Solution Provider for AT&T, Tech Data Mobile Solutions will enable solution providers to create bundled data solutions focused on vertical markets. Tech Data’s network of solution providers is eligible for increased rewards for their sales, more resources, access to the product suite, more training and education, and other incentives, the company said.

CompTIA Revamps Advanced Security Certification

CompTIA updated its CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) certification exam to address the latest enterprise-level cyber-security threats. This mastery-level exam is aimed at validating advanced competency and skills in IT security. This includes competency in enterprise security, risk management, incident response, research and analysis, integration of computing, communications and business disciplines, and technical integration of enterprise components. CASP also addresses the enterprise security skills required by the U.S. Department of Defense.

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