QLogic Enhances Solutions Partner Program

QLogic Corporation announced the
introduction of several partner enablement enhancements to the company’s  Advanced Solutions Partner (ASP) program.

The ASP program equips QLogic partners with the tools and expertise to
address the hottest technology developments in application acceleration for
virtualized and clustered enterprise environments. QLogic is enhancing its
global channel presence with new ASP certifications throughout North America,
Germany and Great Britain, with more geographies to come. New program
enhancements are designed to fuel success for ASPs looking to
capitalize on technologies driving data center transformation.

IT professionals continue to look for 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 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,t
World Wide Technology, Inc.. "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 a caching SAN adapter and QLogic’s
solution within the ASP program. It provides server-based,
transparent, shared caching that combines the application performance benefits
of flash caching with the simplicity of QLogic’s  FC
adapter technology. The combination enables FabricCache to share the scalable
and secure performance acceleration of flash cache with the range of mission-critical,
virtualized and clustered enterprise applications. ASPs are
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 programs to
prepare ASPs to capitalize on opportunities with FabricCache. Face-to-face and
online training and educational courses, coupled with 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 FlexCert, 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 FlexLab, 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 FC 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, VP, Dallas Digital Services LLC. "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 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.