Cisco, Microsoft Server Relationship Takes Center Stage (Twice)

Posted June 18, 2012

Cisco Systems and Microsoft join forces

Cisco Systems (San Jose, CA, USA) and Microsoft (Redmond, WA, USA) are partnering more closely in the server market even as they compete in the unified communications and collaboration markets. The latest evidence: Cisco plans to invade Microsoft TechEd and Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC 2012), two major conferences built for Microsoft partners, customers and ISVs (independent software vendors).

At WPC 2012, Cisco’s team will include sales, marketing and product development experts. And at TechEd, Cisco will bang the drum for its unified computing system (UCS) platform. UCS organizes network, storage and compute technologies into an integrated data center platform. While global economic conditions remain challenging for Cisco and its rivals, Cisco’s data center sales appear on pace to top $1 billion this fiscal year.

To drive those revenues, Cisco’s server team is working more closely with major ISVs such as Microsoft and Oracle. For instance, the Cisco UCS Manager offering has “killer integration” with Microsoft’s Windows PowerShell, according to Rex Backman, global marketing manager for Microsoft Solutions at Cisco.

Cisco also is preparing partners to maximize Windows Server 2012′s performance with Nexus 1000v switch offerings. Cisco offered some clues about that direction during the Build Conference in September 2011.

Finally, watch for Cisco to continue releasing Microsoft-oriented private cloud solutions, which were announced at the Microsoft Management Summit (MMS) a few weeks ago. Solutions involving NetApp (FlexPod and EMC (VSPEX) are certified in Microsoft’s Private Cloud Fast Track 2.0 program, notes Backman.

The VAR Guy will be watching for more Cisco-Microsoft surprises at TechEd and WPC 2012.

Cisco, Microsoft, TechEd, The VAR guy, Windows Server 2012, WPC

Eva Sachse

Eva is the owner of Sachse Consulting that assists ISVs and VARs accelerating sales of their software solutions. Eva is a business professional who brings more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing, distribution and IT industry, working as a Logistics consultant and manager, Product manager and Marketing manager. Working internationally is a natural part of her working day, either being on location or having calls with people all over the world. Eva’s main competencies are: • International experience working with Microsoft Dynamics, mainly Dynamics NAV. • Strong network with the Microsoft Dynamics ISVs and VARs. • Empowering channel partners to go vertical and collaborate/network with other partners to increase their efficiency/sales • Discovering untapped opportunities, business development and project management. In January 2011, she joined the TBK Consult worldwide network of management consultants supporting software companies with rapid globalization, and she was appointed manager of the TBK Microsoft Dynamics® Competency Center, specifically assisting Microsoft Dynamics ISVs and VARs. From 1999 - 2010, she worked as a Product manager at Navision (later acquired by Microsoft) and as a Marketing and Product manager at Microsoft Dynamics NAV. At Microsoft Eva was instrumental in developing the “Certified for Microsoft Dynamics” program. Solutions that are Certified for Microsoft Dynamics are tested and proven to meet Microsoft’s highest standards for partner solutions. From 1989 to 1999, she worked at various companies and held positions as logistics consultant, project manager and logistics manager. In 1994 and 1995 she lived in Hamburg, Germany, working as a sales consultant. Eva has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Economics, Logistics. From 2004-2005 she lived in Hamburg, Germany. Eva speaks Danish, English, German, Swedish and Norwegian.