Tech Data CapacityBuilder Helps Cisco Channel Partners Better Utilize Technical Talent

Business Wire, Nov 6, 2007

New Program Helps Resellers Earn Higher Return on Their Training Investments by More Strategically Focusing Their Cisco Certified Sales and Technical Assets

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD), a leading IT products distributor, today announced CapacityBuilder, an exclusive program to help Cisco channel partners better utilize their technical talent to focus on profit-generating, business-building activities.

"Our channel partners tell us that recruiting, developing and retaining top talent is the single largest business issue they face today," said Chuck Robbins, segment vice president, U.S. and Canada Channels at Cisco. "This isn't just a problem for Cisco, but something the whole industry is experiencing. By working with Tech Data, we hope our partners will use their existing technical talent more effectively, which will make them more productive and competitive."

CapacityBuilder will educate resellers on how a wide array of Tech Data tools and services, such as its exclusive Cisco Advanced Integration Services and TDEducation technical training team, can help them increase billable hours, build profit and streamline operations.

"With even the smallest businesses nationwide adopting increasingly complex solutions like wireless networking and unified communications, there is tremendous growth opportunity for Cisco channel partners in today's SMB market," said Chuck Bartlett, Tech Data's vice president, Networking Product Marketing. "However, many resellers lack the capacity - time and technical resources - to effectively capitalize on those revenue opportunities. CapacityBuilder tailors Tech Data tools and services to the needs of Cisco partners, freeing them from time-consuming tasks so they can successfully focus on the underserved demand for networking solutions and professional services."

Cisco channel partners continually invest in training and certifications for their sales and technical staff. In order to realize the highest possible return on that investment, Cisco trained and certified resources must be in the field generating revenue. Through CapacityBuilder, Tech Data will facilitate that by performing routine tasks such as hardware configuration or a range of administrative, back-office functions on behalf of its reseller customers.

CapacityBuilder encompasses a wide array of services through three partner enablement components:

* PerformanceBuilder - Freeing technicians and engineers from repetitive tasks such as hardware configuration, PerformanceBuilder educates resellers on the benefits of Tech Data's exclusive Cisco Advanced Integration Services. Instead of configuring Cisco solutions themselves before deployment onsite, Tech Data can cost-effectively perform those tasks for partners and ship to the end user on their behalf using its private-label, reseller-branded delivery service.

* ProductivityBuilder - To help channel partners streamline operations and eliminate costs, ProductivityBuilder takes advantage of Tech Data's industry leading e-business tools and other services. For example, Cisco partners can utilize the distributor's MyOrderTracker[TM] service to proactively notify customers and technicians of the status of each order placed through the distributor. This eliminates the need for resellers to track shipments on their own, while helping to ensure product is onsite at a customer's location before dispatching their technicians for installation and support services.

* TalentBuilder - Taking advantage of Tech Data's unmatched technical training support services team, TDEducation, TalentBuilder helps resellers navigate the Cisco Channel Partner Program. TalentBuilder can assist partners in identifying the certifications and expertise necessary to access the right Cisco product with the most advantageous pricing.

In addition to these services, Tech Data continues to expand CapacityBuilder. New exclusive services and tools are in development, which will further strengthen Tech Data's support of Cisco partners. To learn more about CapacityBuilder, visit www.techdata.com/business/cisco or call (800) 237-8931, ext. 74023.

About Tech Data

Founded in 1974, Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ GS: TECD) is a leading distributor of IT products, with more than 90,000 customers in over 100 countries. The company's business model enables technology solution providers, manufacturers and publishers to cost-effectively sell to and support end users ranging from small-to-midsize businesses (SMB) to large enterprises. Ranked 109th on the FORTUNE 500[R], Tech Data generated $21.4 billion in sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2007. For more information, visit www.techdata.com.