Cabletron and Merisel Enter Into Partnership Agreement
Merisel to Distribute Cabletron's Award-Winning Networking Solutions
ROCHESTER, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 3, 1999--Cabletron Systems (NYSE:CS - news) today announced that it has signed a letter of intent which allows Fortune 500 distributor, Merisel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MSEL - news) to distribute Cabletron's comprehensive range of networking solutions to resellers throughout the United States. Merisel is also in negotiations with Cabletron to become an authorized Synergy Plus Partner, details of which are expected to be announced in the next three months.
''As one of the industry's leading distributors, Merisel has business relationships with hundreds of VARs, systems integrators and OEM partners,'' said Joe Garofolo, vice president of worldwide channel sales for Cabletron. ''Our partnership with Merisel allows us access to those resources, thereby significantly extending Cabletron's distribution reach.''
Cabletron will leverage Merisel's relationships with more than 35,000 resellers, including its Sun-certified, government and education resellers. By participating in Cabletron's Synergy Plus Partner program, Merisel will offer its resellers priority lead generation, customized marketing promotions, comprehensive training and certification, and a channel-dedicated Technical Assistance Center.
''We are always seeking new partnerships that will expand and complement our selection of products,'' said Carl Glick, Merisel's director of networking and communications. ''Cabletron's Synergy Plus Partner program enables us to offer resellers Cabletron's networking solutions, as well as service solutions to support their products.''
The Merisel Open Computing Alliance (MOCA(TM)), dedicated to the sales and support of Sun Microsystems and Sun-complementary products and services, represents a new opportunity for both Cabletron and Merisel to offer Sun-certified resellers an end-to-end networking solution. Additionally, MOCA resellers will benefit from additional profit opportunities as Cabletron furthers its service provider strategy, which focuses on delivering innovative hardware, software and service solutions targeted at commercial ISPs, competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and multi-service cable operators (see Service Provider Initiative announcement, dated 6/7/99).
The partnership will also benefit government and education resellers focused on providing networking solutions to the public sector. ''With Cabletron's premier networking products and Merisel's dedicated team of knowledgeable public sector professionals, Merisel government and education resellers will have a competitive advantage,'' said Curt Cornell, Merisel's government and education division director. ''This is a particularly good time for those resellers who are maximizing the networking opportunities available through the Federal E-rate program.''
About Merisel, Inc.
Merisel, Inc. is a leader in the distribution of computer hardware and software products. Based in El Segundo, Calif., Merisel is a Fortune 500 company with 1998 sales of $4.6 billion. Merisel distributes a full line of 25,000 products from the industry's leading manufacturers to resellers throughout North America. Merisel's corporate web site is located at merisel.com.
About Cabletron Systems
Cabletron Systems, a premier provider of enterprise-class networking solutions, delivers dependable network access and communications to millions of people worldwide. With scaleable products designed for Fortune 1000 enterprise networks, service providers and small businesses, Cabletron is the e-business communications specialist for the information age. Cabletron's web site can be reached on the Internet at cabletron.com.
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Contact:
Cabletron Systems
Ann Kelly
(603) 337-2588
akelly@cabletron.com
or
Merisel Public Relations
Terra Hoskins
(310) 615-1283
terra.hoskins@merisel.com |
