Extreme Networks Enhances its Distribution Capabilities in Italy by Expanding its Global Partnership with Westcon Group

Published 17th June 2009

Extreme Networks and Westcon Group Inc., the leading specialty distributor in networking, convergence, security and mobility, announced that they have extended their distribution agreement to Italy. The extension of the agreement provides for the non-exclusive distribution of Extreme Networks’ solutions across Italy.

Westcon Group, with its longstanding expertise in convergence and award-winning global solutions program infrastructure, is already one of Extreme Networks’ leading distributors in Europe and is well positioned to help Extreme Networks become more profitable in the Italian market. Westcon launched its Convergence Division in Italy in November 2008.

In working with Westcon, Extreme Networks will extend its channel presence in Italy by building on a new channel program launched last year. The company aims to take its traditional channel relationships to the next level, embracing a multi-vendor, collaborative approach. Westcon, a distributor acknowledged by the market for its networking expertise, solutions program infrastructure and ability to deliver value to the European reseller community, is a logical partner choice for the Italian market.

“Extreme Networks’ goal is to increase its market share in Italy by working closely with its partners," comments Alberto Braghieri Channel Manager at Extreme Networks Italia. “Therefore in early 2008, the company decided to invest in the Channel, which focused on establishing a restricted but highly qualified group of Channel Partners. Our appointment of Westcon Convergence represents a significant step towards achieving this objective.”

“Adding Extreme Networks to our portfolio makes sense for Westcon Italy and our Italian customers, especially given the strategic alliance that already exists between Extreme Networks and Avaya. The successful deployment of converged solutions depends on a resilient, scalable and feature rich LAN infrastructure—Extreme Networks delivers this on all counts,” says David Grant, Vice President, Westcon Convergence.

Laurent Bourgninaud, EMEA Channel Director for Extreme Networks comments “Westcon’s skills around IP convergence bring a strong differentiator and high level of added value to the Channel, benefitting all of Extreme Networks partners who are investing in Convergence, Data Centers and high performance solutions.”

“Netindus is very keen to strengthen its technical and business relationship with Extreme Networks,” comments Sandro Bordato CEO of Netindus S.p.A. (formerly Telindus S.pA.), owned by C.E.I.T. S.p.A. Group. “As clearly highlighted by its name, Netindus is strongly focused on devising and marketing network solutions to its customer base. We expect this new partnership to be very successful in the Italian market.”

Extreme Networks enhanced channel program provides its partners with a number of value add benefits, including market development, education, and rewarding channel tiers that make doing business both simple and rewarding. More information can be found here: http://www.extremenetworks.com/partners/channel-partners.aspx