Monday Morning Impact – November 9

Nuage Networks Launches Certification Initiative

Nuage Networks, Alcatel-Lucent’s SDN venture, is expanding its partner program with the launch of a self-service certification initiative focused on vendor interoperability for Layer 4-7 application delivery and security. The move is positioned as a simple way to assure enterprise customers that the micro-segmentation security policies, components and services they choose will deploy and operate automatically in a Nuage Networks SDN environment.

“SDN overlays must automate IT across cloud datacenter infrastructure while preserving control, visibility and freedom of choice,” said Sunil Khandekar, founder and CEO of Nuage Networks. “By validating that our technology works alongside those of our partners – including leaders in network security – Nuage Networks provides peace of mind as our customers move their business applications to the cloud.”

Nuage Networks has built reference architectures based on OpenStack and Nuage Networks Virtualized Services Platform (VSP). The Nuage Networks Partner Ecosystem makes this architecture available as a pre-designed and public-facing environment that enables self-certification of the elements of the architecture.

Newly certified vendor partners include Citrix, CounterTack, Fortinet, GuardiCore, Palo Alto Networks and vArmour.

Channel Impact
When working with complex multi-vendor solutions, customers are typically eager to see validation that the involved platforms will properly work together. Therefore, this initiative shows the potential to boost sales for the vendors, as well as the channel partners of participating companies.

Presidio Announces Sale of its Atlantix Global Systems Subsidiary

Presidio, a New York-based professional and managed services company, has announced the sale of its Atlantix Global Systems subsidiary, a reseller of refurbished IT and telecom gear. The subsidiary has been sold to an equity group led by Millstein & Co. LP, a diversified investment management and financial services firm, for an undisclosed price.

“We are pleased for Brian Glahn and his team at Atlantix for their new chapter with a great partner,” stated Bob Cagnazzi, CEO of Presidio. “Atlantix’s business is not core to Presidio and I believe the Millstein group can take them to the next level.”

Presidio reports a staff of more than 2,400 Presidio IT professionals based in more than fifty offices across the U.S.

Channel Impact
With Presidio becoming an increasingly services-focused company, divesting itself of a refurbished hardware company appears to be consistent with Presidio’s expressed long-term strategy.

PCM Acquires Canadian IT Solutions Provider Acrodex

PCM has announced its acquisition of Acrodex, Inc, a Canadian IT solutions provider of hardware, software and services for approximately $12.6 million USD.

Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Acrodex provides full end-to-end infrastructure solutions from initial plan and design, through procurement and installation, to full support and on-going management. The Company’s core business areas include software value-added reseller services, software asset management and hardware sales and services, including client device products, servers, storage, network, printers and a full complement of accessories and devices. Services are a significant component to Acrodex’s product mix and include managed services, cloud-based services, consulting, IT management and other IT service areas.

“For those customers with a presence in both the U.S. and Canada, the Acrodex acquisition brings us the capability to provide a one-stop shop for their IT solutions needs,” said Frank Khulusi, PCM’s chairman and CEO.

Channel Impact
This move gives PCM a much stronger base of operations north of the border. In addition the two companies share synergistic relationships with major vendors including Cisco, HP, Dell and Lenovo.