Cisco Systems has awarded PQ Networks the highly regarded Gold Certified Partner status. PQ Networks has successfully met the stringent technical and service level requirements in under a year and with an investment of R5 million. Currently, there are 69 Cisco Gold Certified Partners in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and now only two in South Africa.
Tim Knowles, managing director, PQ Networks says, "as a Cisco certified Gold Partner, we are now in the position to confidently embrace new markets, as we can offer the highest level of products and support. PQ Networks expects to grow its sales of Cisco equipment in excess of 100% year on year. PQ Networks is currently the biggest Cisco reseller outside the United States."
"In order to differentiate itself even further, PQ Networks adheres to the philosophy of providing superior service, expertise and support over and above a first-rate product. PQ Networks emphasis also lies on offering total business solutions. The extremely high standard in technical and support knowledge that Cisco certified internetwork experts (CCIE) represents, complies with PQ Networks` image of superior customer service.
PQ Networks thus launched its CCIE program in February 1998 and has since then invested in the region of R5 million in ongoing training and in equipment for a training lab. This lab is of an extremely high standard and trainees are well prepared to take the final CCIE exams. PQ Networks now boasts 9 CCIEs locally and 41 in its European operations.
PQ Networks takes pride in its 800 technicians manning 37 support centres situated throughout the country.
Explains Mailie Strauss, channel manager, Cisco Systems SA, "Gold Partners provide the highest level of product knowledge, technical expertise and service capabilities - along with industry-leading networking products and solutions. Their teams of highly trained experts include the largest number of Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts (CCIE) of any Partner Certification Program. Specific services include complex network design and implementation, product testing facilities, remote diagnostic and on-site troubleshooting".
Gold Certified Partners are an extension of Cisco`s support team - they provide customer support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Says Strauss, "Cisco is pleased to have PQN as a gold partner. Cisco does not take certification lightly and to achieve it requires real commitment to Cisco on the part of a systems integrator as well as a significant financial and human resources investment. We believe that PQN is such a partner as has been amply demonstrated by their commitment to a very quick and focused road to certifcation. We sincerely look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship."
Adds Knowles, "if you want to be a prominent player in this industry, it is vital that you choose a supplier of superior end-to-end networking solutions with a reliable, timeous and convenient delivery mechanism. Cisco Systems has been fundamental to the success of our European operations."
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