Weekly Distribution Roundup: Ingram Micro, Avnet, Synnex

Another week, another distribution roundup. This time Ingram Micro is offering free HP 3PAR certification, Avnet is partnering with Palo Alto Networks in the United Kingdom and Synnex is getting cozy with Aruba Networks’ portfolio. Read on for The VAR Guy’s carefully dissected channel news …

Here’s the distribution lineup:

• Synnex: There was so much buzz during Synnex Varnex 2011 about cloud and mobility that The VAR Guy left out all the important stuff about networking. Aruba Networks has inked a distribution agreement with Synnex, bringing the entire Aruba Networks portfolio to all Synnex resellers. Since Synnex has a soft spot for the SMB, Aruba’s products are a perfect fit, since they serve both the SMB and the SME.
• Avnet: Palo Alto Networks is about to get a huge boost to its install base, with Avnet now putting Palo Alto Networks technology into the hands of U.K. VARs and resellers. The VAR Guy typically covers the channel here in the United States, but we cover both Palo Alto Networks’ and Avnet’s moves closely. Any expansion is good news for resellers in the states. Recently, Palo Alto Networks launched firewalls that protect and secure iOS devices and boosted its partner program.
• Ingram Micro: In a effort to expand cloud proliferation more rapidly, Ingram Micro has implanted HP’s 3PAR F200 Storage System into its cloud solution center in Buffalo, N.Y., so VARs can get hands-on time with the new unit. For a “limited time,” partners can get free HP Enterprise Authentication training to go along with that hands-on time. Ingram is even extending that “free” factor to include covering the expenses of bringing potential customers to the Buffalo center for demos. But you’ll have to act fast, because this offer expires at the end of January 2012.

As always, The VAR Guy has got you covered on distribution news, wherever it may come from. Check back next Friday for another pre-weekend distribution snack.