Bell Micro takes on HP Networking portfolio

The networking and security division of Bell Micro (BELM) has today announced it has been awarded distribution status for the HP Networking (HPQ) product portfolio.

Bell Micro says it views HP’s acquisition of 3Com (COMS) and the creation of the new HP Networking Group as a “huge market opportunity” and is one that its own resellers should get involved in. “With support and education readily available from Bell Micro any reseller completing a HP server and storage deal, should now automatically look to incorporate HP networking,” says Ed Callacher, divisional leader, networking and security at Bell Micro.

Callacher told Channel Pro the move “fleshes out our HP portfolio.” He explains: “We can now offer a single vendor solution of server, storage and networking solutions. If a customer has HP server and storage infrastructure, why wouldn’t they have [their networking solutions] with the same vendor?”

The distributor says it will work closely with HP ESS partners in an advisory role, and will also help HP Procurve partners with the delivery of the 3Com portfolio during the transition to the new HP Networking product range.

Its 3Com resellers, meanwhile, will receive sales and technical support to familiarise themselves with the HP channel, team and products.

Callacher also believes that while HP previously had holes in its portfolio, the firm is “primed now to go after Cisco.”

He maintains: “3Com’s range of products gives HP Networking the right portfolio to attack Cisco (CSCO). It is a credible and cost-effective alternative to Cisco.”