IBM Global Services Joins Cisco Certified Global System Integrator Program
SOMERS, N.Y., -- February 19, 1999 -- IBM and Cisco Systems, Inc. todayannounced that IBM Global Services now offers full end-to-end product support and services for Cisco networking solutions as a member of the Cisco certified Global System Integrator program. The services are designed to help businesses and organizations build and maintain high-performance Cisco technology-based intranets and extranets.
Cisco end-to-end networking solutions are a key strategic asset to many global businesses and organizations. By providing system integration and support services for Cisco products, IBM can help ensure optimum network operation and availability.
IBM Global Services will provide full end-to-end network services, which complement Cisco SMARTnet. services, for a wide range of Cisco products. The IBM suite of solutions includes network design and connectivity, procurement, installation and systems integration, asset and inventory management, and NETSERV hardware and software maintenance. Customers will be able to take advantage of IBM support services such as help desk and technical support, same-day and next-day maintenance and access to on-site IBM services specialists.
"IBM Global Services is committed to providing total systems management support for both IBM and non-IBM networking solutions," said Joe Sindelar, vice president, Product Support Services Sales and Marketing, IBM Global Services. "Every day, information technology grows more complex. For most customers, IT is not their main business. With this announcement, customers can leverage IBM's IT expertise and skills to help build, support, service and optimize their Cisco technology-based network infrastructures. With IBM as a single point of contact, customers are free to focus on their core business."
As part of this support, IBM is sending design and service teams to the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) training program to certify they have the expertise required to meet the challenges of supporting Cisco-based mission-critical networks. In addition, IBM Global Services has established geographically-dispersed Cisco technical assistance centers.
"Customers, especially those in large, globally dispersed organizations, will benefit significantly from this relationship and will have greater access to a comprehensive suite of services," said Clayton Reed, vice president, Customer Advocacy Services Sales and Marketing, Cisco Systems. "We believe a high-performance information network is critical to customer success. Our relationship with IBM will help large businesses and organizations more effectively utilize emerging applications and sustain competitive advantage."
The complete suite of IBM services for Cisco products is currently available in the United States and Puerto Rico, and selected services have been announced worldwide. IBM plans to announce additional Cisco support services over the coming months.
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