Avnet expands virtualisation portfolio.

Avnet Technology Solutions revealed the expansion of its distribution agreement with Microsoft in the virtualisation space, reports eChannel Line.

Under this agreement, Avnet will help Microsoft develop and build its US channel for virtualisation solutions including Microsoft's System Centre products. The agreement is specifically targeted at the SME space, which Avnet believes will expand its presence there.

According to CNR, Steve Gereb, director of Microsoft solutions at Avnet Technology Solutions, this is a big deal for Avnet. “We see the addition of Microsoft virtualisation solutions into our overall virtualisation practice as a huge differentiator,” says Gereb.

Microsoft's System Centre solutions will complement a VAR's current VMware offerings, as Microsoft is geared more towards small businesses while VMware has a solid footing in the midmarket and enterprise.

“Virtualisation is one of the hottest technology growth areas for the SME market, and we are committed to growing our virtualisation practice to capitalise on these opportunities,” says Dennis Niedrowski, director of professional services of DSS, an Avnet partner. Microsoft's unveiling of its virtualisation solutions aligns perfectly with the strategy for this market, writes Market Watch.

With Avnet's support and Microsoft's Gold Competency in virtualisation, the company has the ideal combination of specialised virtualisation technology, resources, sales and technical enablement to continue to grow business.

The company will be able to rapidly expand virtualisation practice, while solving customers' data centre challenges.