QLogic enhances Advanced Solutions Partner Programme

IT professionals continue to look for innovative ways to extend the value and performance of their existing environment, and often seek the assistance of trusted channel partners with expertise and training on the latest data center technologies. The ASP program helps qualified QLogic channel partners develop and expand their expertise, and augment high-performance solutions with well-rounded business, technology and consultancy training to ensure customer and company success.

“Customers wanting to upgrade their data center aren’t looking for products; they’re seeking long-term solutions that provide immediate business value with limited disruption to systems and processes,” said Scott Miller, director of cloud, virtualization at World Wide Technology. “With QLogic’s Advanced Solutions Partner training and education, we’re better equipped to evaluate customer IT needs, consult on business implications and provide the innovative QLogic technology solutions that meet those needs.”

FabricCache™ is the industry’s first caching SAN adapter and QLogic’s flagship solution within the ASP program. FabricCache provides server-based, transparent, shared caching that combines the application performance benefits of flash caching with the simplicity of QLogic’s market-leading Fibre Channel adapter technology. The combination enables FabricCache to share the scalable and secure performance acceleration of flash cache with the widest range of mission-critical, virtualized and clustered enterprise applications. ASPs are actively engaged in FabricCache trials in aerospace technology, education, healthcare, marketing services, internet service provider, financial, manufacturing and various other growth industries.

Education, Certification, Enablement
QLogic provides well-rounded, full-featured enablement programs to prepare ASPs to capitalize on opportunities with FabricCache. Comprehensive face-to-face and online training and educational courses, coupled with FabricCache demo equipment for partner labs, give ASPs the insight, knowledge and hands-on product experience to close more deals.

The newest training option available from QLogic is FlexCertTM, an online, modular certification program that gives partners the flexibility to complete specific courses for targeted certification levels at their own pace. Associate certifications focus on pre-sales roles while Specialist certifications cover post-sales functions. FlexCert training modules include FlexLabTM, QLogic’s proprietary simulation tool that adds the value of hands-on lab training to the online training experience. Partners launch into various, interactive FlexLab exercises and engage in real-time product simulations that augment online instructions; all without leaving their browser.

FabricCache Specialist certification focuses on the installation and configuration of FabricCache QLE10000 Fibre Channel adapters with topics including Hardware and Software, Adapter Installation, Management Tools and Troubleshooting. Training modules cover Single Server and Multi Server Cluster Transparent Caches using different management tools. FabricCache Associate certification requires an in-depth knowledge and understanding of FabricCache subject matter plus the demonstrated ability to clearly communicate features and benefits of the FabricCache QLE10000 adapter.

“Partner enablement is the name of the game when solution providers evaluate vendors, products and market opportunities,” said Howie Evans, vice president, Dallas Digital Services. “QLogic partner enablement programs give us a competitive advantage when addressing emerging growth opportunities for our company. Best of all, our skills are backed by business development program elements that we can customize and repeat.”

Enhanced Turnkey Marketing Programs and Materials
A host of turnkey marketing vehicles and activities are available to help ASPs prospect, educate, qualify and close more customer opportunities. Designed to maximize partner sales efforts with minimal dedicated resources, ASP enablement programs support immediate sales plus ongoing business development. All programs and materials are customizable to help build brand awareness along with revenues.

Turnkey programs start with hosted micro-websites and easy-to-use, high-touch, lead generation campaigns to continuously fill the FabricCache pipeline. Live QLogic-hosted seminars, recorded webinars and product videos provide education opportunities to fit every potential customer’s schedule, and help move opportunities through the pipeline. QLogic dedicates technical and sales experts to support all activities, and makes marketing development funds available to cover program costs.