Expand Networks, a leading provider of application acceleration solutions over the WAN, today announced that the company is accelerating its go-to-market strategy with a leading-edge channel initiative, the Compass Partner Programme.
The channel strategy initiative follows its recent acquisition of wide area file services (WAFS) vendor DiskSites, a move that positions Expand as the first vendor to deliver a fully integrated multi-service WAN/WAFS platform known as the Compass Platform.
This enables the various types of disparate technologies to be mapped to one tightly integrated, multi-service platform, available immediately, that delivers the complete Application Acceleration solution.
Expand`s new programme includes a channel recruitment initiative focused on the convergence of WAN optimisation and WAFS. It offers the most comprehensive platform combined with revenue and margin incentives, marketing, engineering and technical support, giving resellers a way to tap into the burgeoning WAN/WAFS market and accelerate their businesses and profitability.
Expand Networks has experienced strong channel demand for Compass since its January launch from existing partners such as Bytes Technology Group (BTG) and Dimension Data.
Expand`s Compass Partner Programme, which seeks to grow with top-level value-added resellers (VARS), system integrators and OEMs across the globe, supports partners with all the relevant resources, training, support and access to a profitable customer base with attractive margins. A new e-learning programme designed by online training expert Q6, complements the hands-on training and personalised SE support that have been a standard part of Expand Networks` partner support.
"Having reasserted our leadership position with the Expand Compass Platform, we are aggressively building out our global coverage model with the recruitment of a new breed of partner," commented Mike Ransom of Expand Networks SA. "As our solutions migrate from the remote branch office back into the data centre, our programme selectively targets the top resellers/partners that are delivering solutions to the market around our WAN and WAFS offerings. It is important to focus not only on the horizontal WAN optimisation market, but increasingly around verticals focused on our seven strategic initiatives: server consolidation, Web applications deployment, server-based computing, disaster recovery, satellite communications, voice and data convergence and optimising MPLS WANs."
"Expand`s Compass Partner Programme is dynamic and ahead of the curve," added Alan Rehbock, BTG`s Systems Integration Sales Manager. "As an Expand Channel partner for four years with significant sales every year, we are only interested in partnering with vendors who provide a full solution and dedication to working with us on a collaborative level. Expand is VAR-centric and has the leading products to accelerate the network."
Critical issues occur within businesses when slow running networks compromise remote office productivity. In order to protect and enhance business productivity, companies with remote branch offices need to implement a proactive approach to application performance and availability. Without a strategy in place that aligns the IT infrastructure initiatives to the business mandates, companies suffer from setbacks such as poorly performing applications, delays and potential lost data, which could challenge productivity and place compliance efforts in jeopardy.
"The prevalence of people working away from the headquarters, data centres and networks has led to strong demand for application acceleration over the WAN technology," continued Robin Gareiss, an analyst at Nemertes Research.
Analyst firm Gartner said in a recent report that the WAN market grew to $1.2 billion worldwide in 2005, a 36% spike over 2004. Gartner rated Expand as a market leader in its most recent Marketscope report.
"As trusted advisors to our clients on the complex nuances of network technologies, we`re looking for products that stand out in the crowd and address the pain points, namely WAN and WAFS issues," concluded Rehbock, "We looked at several technology partners and Expand offered a comprehensive solution in Compass, a market tested and proven platform. It is the perfect complement to our existing networking business. Becoming part of the booming Compass ecosystem is a core part of our strategy and is key to our growth plans. As resellers, we are always looking for new business opportunities and Expand`s products fit in any environment - no matter what the core business is. With a compelling discount margin programme coupled with their dedicated channel support, Expand`s Compass Partner Programme offers distinct advantages."
For further information on Expand Networks, please contact Mike Ransom: telephone 012 667-3820, fax 012 665-2918, cell 082 774 9250 e-mail mike.ransom@expand.com
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Bytes Technology Group`s global presence combined with well established expertise across all key application environments sets them apart from competitors and enables world-class solutions and services. BTG has been trusted to manage complex ICT environments for blue chip companies in many different sectors, all over the world, for more than two decades. It has many long-term customer relationships based on proven ability to deliver what is promised. BTG has maintained strong partnerships for many years with some of the world`s leading technology providers. Expand Networks is one of these suppliers. BTG`s solutions are built on evolutionary principles, taking a stage-by-stage approach. BTG begins by identifying the most urgent priorities and addresses these first. It shows clients measurable benefits and only then does it move onto the next stages. Its aim is to ensure the client stays fully in control and invests in success.
Expand Networks
Expand Networks is the pioneer and leader in helping organisations simplify their IT infrastructure while delivering remote offices fast, reliable and secure access to networked applications. This results in improved user productivity and cost-effective IT management. Expand offers a multi-service integrated platform that ensures superior performance for any application over any network. From its headquarters in Roseland, NJ, USA and its global locations, Expand Networks serves more than 1 350 enterprise customers including: American Express, Bacardi USA, BMW, Continental Airlines, Carr America, Colgate, Elizabeth Arden, Reed exhibitions, Target and the United States Department of Defense.
Expand Networks SA has established a local base of more than 50 customers.
Expand Networks, Accelerator, Expand Compass, ExpandView are trademarks of Expand Networks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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