Avnet hooks Riverbed in UK distribution deal

Avnet (NYSE: AVT) has signed a new distribution agreement with Riverbed Technology (NASDAQ: RVBD) to offer wide area network (WAN) optimisation and network and application visibility solutions.

WAN optimisation has been proven to reduce operating expenses and improve IT performance. Avnet argues that with an increasing number of organisations offering employees the ability to work from home or at remote branch offices, Riverbed’s WAN optimisation products can provide local area network (LAN)-like performance, securely and without the need to increase bandwidth.

Explains Tim Mackie, senior director, distribution channels at Riverbed: “Riverbed has a strong, flourishing partnership with Avnet in the US. The new UK contract is an expansion of our relationship, designed to enhance sales channels for Riverbed in the storage, applications and mobility markets.
“We are confident that Avnet’s deep understanding of networking, security and storage, its extensive business partner network and successful track record in supporting international enterprise channels will further enhance the Riverbed Partner Network in the UK.”
“Riverbed solutions add real value and distinct competitive advantage to Avnet’s portfolio. They enable us to augment existing solutions therefore increasing opportunities within our business partners’ customer base,” adds Laura Harman, sales director at Avnet. “Riverbed enables IT organisations to overcome the performance issues commonly associated with WAN deployments, such as bandwidth and latency, delivering rapid return on investment.”
Other Riverbed distributors in the UK are Zycko and VADition.