Avnet Technology Solutions, the global IT solutions distribution leader and operating group of Avnet, Inc., today expanded its SolutionsPath(R) enablement strategy with a new training curriculum designed to help reseller partners address the rapidly converging data center environment. Avnet will now provide its U.S. and Canadian reseller partners with a new Data Center University and tailored workshops. Based upon Avnet's existing technology expertise in cloud computing, mobility, networking, security, storage and virtualization, these new training offerings will help partners develop solutions with interconnected data center specializations, such as those related to virtualization and cloud computing.

"Data center managers want to work with partners who can solve all of their data center issues by creating a cohesive solution. This cohesive solution often includes multiple technologies, such as networking, security and storage, and is increasingly being delivered in a virtualized or cloud environment," said Tim FitzGerald, vice president, data center technology solutions practices, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas. "We expanded Avnet's SolutionsPath strategy to focus on the natural intersection points between cloud computing, mobility, networking, security, storage and virtualization. As a result, our new data center-focused university and workshops will help partners obtain technology specializations to further broaden their solutions expertise and enable them to provide a more holistic approach to the data center for their customers."

Avnet's SolutionsPath engagement model for data center solutions will initially feature:

Data Center University: Through this three-day educational program, partners will learn how to elevate their solutions approach to focus more on connected data center solutions and services that address the specific business needs of their end customers across multiple technology and vertical markets. The university will include technology specialization tracks that provide in-depth information on profitable growth opportunities related to the intersection of cloud computing, mobility, network, security, storage, and virtualization technologies. The first Data Center University will be held October 18-20, 2011, in Phoenix, Ariz. Click on this link to register for Avnet's Data Center University.

Tailored Workshops: These one-on-one training sessions will help individual partners address specific data center areas where they have a skills gap. Avnet currently has tailored workshops available on more than 30 different data center topics related to cloud computing, mobility, network, security, storage, and virtualization. In addition, there are a variety of vertically-focused modules that can be mapped in to provide further specialization.

Core to Avnet's data center strategy is its ability to help partners broaden their specialized technology expertise into adjacent solution opportunities. As part of its new strategy, Avnet has expanded its specialization area in virtualization to also include cloud computing solutions. Avnet can now help partners uncover new cloud computing opportunities. Avnet's data center enablement services will educate partners on how virtualization can serve as a natural gateway to cloud computing, and how to prepare end-users' infrastructures to eventually transition to cloud-based computing environments. Partners can also take advantage of CloudReady(TM), the cloud-specific component to Avnet's SolutionsPath methodology. This initiative includes education, training, financing solutions, professional services, technical resources and integrated cloud computing solutions.

"We've worked closely with Avnet to enhance our specialization in social collaboration, mobile computing and enterprise portals -- expanding our business and creating a strong competitive differentiator," said Niral Jhaveri, Practice Director for User Experience at Prolifics, a systems integrator and Avnet partner. "With the growth of our practice, we're seeing a need from many of our customers to also help them with virtualization, hosting and cloud computing. Avnet's new Data Center University and tailored workshops will broaden our approach, help us provide end-to-end solutions, and position us to capture additional opportunities."

Additionally, partners can leverage Avnet's vertical SolutionsPath practices to further develop a holistic data center approach for high-growth vertical markets, including those related to: energy, finance, government, healthcare and retail.