Integrating solutions in a multivendor environment -- that's the strength of most solution providers. But sometimes help is needed, whether it's testing a solution before taking it on; demonstrating technology to customers as part of the sales process; or bringing staff up to speed through hands-on testing or classroom training.

Providing such assistance is the mission of Ingram Micro's Solution Centers, located at our headquarters in Santa Ana, Calif., and Buffalo, N.Y. Each 3,400-square-foot facility contains more than $6 million in state-of-the-art equipment from leading manufacturers such as Cisco Systems, Hewlett- Packard, IBM and Microsoft -- everything from blade servers to storage arrays to security appliances to surveillance cameras -- all integrated and at your service. Staffed by engineers certified in a range of manufacturers, Solution Centers feature demo rooms and well-equipped classrooms for training and seminars.

"The Solution Centers aim to showcase integrated solutions that take the fear, uncertainty and doubt out of your solutions, your sales process and your back-end support," says Francis Murello, senior technical manager, Solution Centers.

Solution Centers Hit the Road
Both the Santa Ana and Buffalo centers are open to any Ingram Micro solution provider who wants to arrange training, demonstrations or other events. But if traveling to either coast isn't convenient, you can still participate. Here's how:

• Remote demos. Working with Solution Center engineers, you can arrange remote technology demos at customer sites or at your own offices. Examples include networking into a Solution Center to test-drive installed equipment, such as storage systems, firewalls and routers, as well as more complex software solutions.
• Solutions training. Because Solution Center boot camps on digital signage, IP video surveillance and unified communications have proved so popular, they're now also given at Ingram Micro conferences, including the VentureTech Network (VTN) Invitational, Partner Connection Summit and GovEd Invitational.
• Manufacturer certifications. The Solution Centers' certified engineers are well qualified to train solution providers on manufacturer certifications, such as Cisco’s Select Certification for SMB specialists. At the recent VTN Invitational and Partner Connection Summit, several dozen solution providers took a free, instructor-led course. One of the 95 percent who passed the test was Rafael Villarreal of Comnet Systems. "Ingram Micro trainer Pete Avino did an excellent job," says Villarreal. "His mastery of the material was instrumental in my success."
• Online resources. Solution Center staff have aggressive plans to showcase the technology of key vendors at the centers themselves and at Ingram Micro's conferences. Resources from these events will be available online.

Whether you engage with the Solution Centers on-site or remotely, keep in mind the deep knowledge transfer that is possible. "Participating manufacturers work closely with us to support their products, and they train us on their marketing and technical strategies," says Murello. "That's how we provide in-depth educational resources to the solution provider community."

For more information on the Solution Centers or to schedule a visit, Ingram Micro customers can e-mail solution.center@ ingrammicro.com, or call (800) 759-3003, ext. 23340. Details are available online at www.ingrammicro.com/solutioncenter.