Tech Data Adds Distribution For VMware's vSphere With Operations Management

VMware claims the platform can provide as much as 50 percent in combined capital and operating expense reduction while managing performance, reducing downtime, enhancing server consolidation and providing analytical detail on the efficiencies associated with virtualized environments. Dynamic thresholds are used to streamline operations and reduce the likelihood of alert storms and false positives.

"As virtual environments get more complex, it's sometimes difficult to figure out what's going on in them," said Chuck Bartlett, vice president, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) at Tech Data. "At times, they might not be performing the way [users] would like, and it can be difficult to determine exactly why that is the case. This enables them to drill down into the specifics of the environment so that it can be optimized, and therefore be made more efficient, as well as cost-effective. It eliminates the need to throw more servers into the environment."

[Related: Tech Data Reports 2 Percent Profit Growth Despite Sales Decline ]

According to Bartlett, Tech Data has worked closely with VMware to further develop these capabilities and establish channel readiness so that Tech Data's network of 120,000 partners in 100 countries could choose to position themselves as an extension of the VMware sales and marketing team. "The midmarket is a very strong area for Tech Data," said Bartlett. "So they [VMware's teams] are working with us to communicate the value of this offering to the partners, which will help us to take this to the market and scale it upwards."

"This gives the partners an opportunity to go back in to talk to their customers because they certainly want those end-users to get the scale and efficiency as much as possible," he said. "This is an overall solution that gives them the capability of managing that environment."

Tech Data's VMware vSphere with Operations Management offering is available now to partners.

Adding new, high-value solutions to its arsenal is becoming increasingly important to Tech Data, as well as to other distributors. Last month, the Clearwater, Fla.-based company reported net sales of $25.4 billion for fiscal 2013, compared to $26.5 billion for the previous fiscal year. New solutions that help the channel to add value are expected to push those numbers upwards, according to the company.

PUBLISHED APRIL 1, 2013