Hot on the heels of the unveiling of its innovative Global Services offerings, Dimension Data has become one of the first network and interactive integration and services companies to achieve Cisco Gold Partner Certifications on five continents.
This follows the awarding of this prestigious certification to Dimension Data US, which incorporates the operations of New Jersey-based RE/COM, Boston-based Data Comm Systems (DCS) and New York-based Integrated Systems Group (ISG).
Dimension Data`s operations in Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia had previously earned Cisco Gold Partner status.
"The purpose of our Certification Program is to build channel partner expertise," says Tom Mitchell, vice president, worldwide channels for Cisco Systems.
"By attaining Gold certification status, Dimension Data can assure customers it has achieved the highest Cisco standard for network expertise and support capabilities."
According to Bruce Watson, Dimension Data Chief Executive Network Services, the Cisco certification process is one of the most meticulous and well-monitored channel certification programmes in the networking industry.
"Gold Certified Partners are recognised and rewarded for having a team of well-trained network technicians who are capable of achieving and demonstrating the highest level of expertise in designing, implementing and supporting Cisco network solutions. This type of requirement plays into the strength of Dimension Data. Currently, the Group employs 139 Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts (CCIEs), the highest number of any independent organisation in the world," he explains.
"Our Gold status, along with our capacity to meet the round-the-clock networking and communications needs of global multinational companies, further sets us apart from our competition and enhances the value-add that we can offer our clients," Watson concludes.
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Cisco Gold Certification
Cisco Gold Certification requires the partner to have and maintain at least 4 CCIEs, a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), two Cisco Certified Design Professionals (CCDPs), and one Cisco Sales Expert. Gold partners must also have a 24x7 call tracking system and escalation process, 24x7 Onsite response and 4 hours with parts, a Demo process and lab, a direct support contract, and 51% of calls must be escalated by CCIEs. Specific Gold partner services include complex network design and implementation, product testing facilities, remote diagnostics, and on-site troubleshooting.
Dimension Data Holdings Limited
Dimension Data Holdings Limited is a global network integration and e-business enabler operating in 36 countries on five continents. The Group`s service offerings range from network integration and management to the integration of technology channels and applications to enable business-to-business e-commerce. The Group has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 98% in turnover and 57% in headline earnings per share over the past five years.