Honing Their Technology Edge: CRN Tech Elite 250

They Aced The Test

For solution providers, the technical skills of some of their most valued workers -- pre-sales engineers, system designers, developers and customer support personnel -- can become obsolete in almost no time. And when they do become obsolete, so can solution providers.

One way that solution providers can hone their employees' IT skills and maintain their technology edge is by taking advantage of the training and certification opportunities offered by the IT vendors they partner with.

CRN's annual Tech Elite 250 list features solution providers who differentiate themselves by investing in certifications in the area of infrastructure, including data center, storage and virtualization. The selection team maps certifications against technology opportunities (as defined by our State of the Market and Midmarket studies) and builds this list based on the certifications within each solution provider organization.

Here we provide snapshots of 25 solution providers as a sample of the Tech Elite 250. The complete list is available for purchase by contacting Laurie Condon on the East Coast ([email protected]) or Nora Uriarte on the West Coast ([email protected]).

Adcap Network

Systems

Christine Versluis

CEO

Alpharetta, Ga.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Advanced Collaboration Architecture, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Cloud Provider, Express Foundation, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Master Unified Communications, Advanced Borderless Network, Cloud and Managed Services Master, Advanced Security; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Registered, Preferred; EMC: VCE, Velocity SP; HP: Business, Computer Specialist, HP Software Specialist, Printing Specialist; IBM: Premier; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Registered; VMware: Enterprise, Academic Specialization, Authorized Consultant, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Advanced Systems Group (ASG)

David Sosnowski

President

Thornton, Colo.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Premier, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Advanced Unified Computing Technology, Express Foundation; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Registered, Preferred; EMC: Velocity SP, Affiliate; HP: Gold; IBM: Premier, IBM Advanced; NetApp: Star; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Premier, Hybrid Cloud

Advizex

Technologies

Fred Traversi

Chairman, CEO

Independence, Ohio

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Premier, Select, Express Foundation, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization; Citrix: Gold; Dell: Registered; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement, VCE Coalition Partner, ASN Implement Partner; HP: Platinum, Cloud Builder Specialist, Computer Specialist, HP Software Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Networking Specialist, Printing Specialist, Server Specialist, Storage Specialist; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Professional, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Alexander Open Systems (AOS)

Gary Alexander

President, CEO

Thornton, Colo.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Security, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Cloud Services Reseller, Advanced Wireless

AMS.NET

Robert Tocci

Founder, CEO

Livermore, Calif.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Cloud Provider, Express Foundation, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Advanced Borderless Network, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Preferred; EMC: VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement; HP: Silver, PartnerOne Business Partner, Networking Elite; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Enterprise, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Anexinet

John Connolly

CEO

Blue Bell, Pa.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Premier, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization; Citrix: Gold; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Premier, VCE Coalition Partner, ASN Implement Partner; HP: Platinum, Cloud Builder Specialist, Computer Specialist, HP Software Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Networking Specialist, Printing Specialist, Server Specialist, Service Specialist, Storage Specialist; VMware: Premier, Academic Specialization, Healthcare Specialization, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

CompuCom

Don Doctor

CEO

Dallas

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Collaboration, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Cloud Builder-Infrastructure, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Master Unified Communications, Cloud and Managed Services Master; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Registered, Premier; EMC: Cloud Service Provider, Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, VCE Coalition Partner; HP: Platinum, Cloud Builder Specialist, Software Specialist, Networking Specialist, Printing Specialist ; IBM: Premier; NetApp: Platinum; Symentec: Platinum; VMware: Premier, Enterprise

Core BTS

Walter Cook II

CEO

Madison, Wis.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Security, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Cloud Services Reseller, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Master Unified Communications, Managed Service Master, Advanced Borderless Network, Cloud and Managed Services Master; Citrix: Platinum; Dell: Registered; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX; HP: Business; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Premier, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Datalink

Paul Lidsky

President, CEO

Eden Prairie, Minn.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Platinum; Dell: Premier; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, VCE Coalition Partner; HP: Platinum, Silver Storage, Business Critical Service Elite, Enterprise Storage Elite; IBM: Premier, IBM Advanced; NetApp: Star; Symentec: Platinum; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Desktop Virtualization, Cloud IaaS

Derive Technologies

Kirit Desai

CEO

New York

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Premier, Express Foundation, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Registered; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Registered; HP: Platinum; IBM: Premier; NetApp: Star; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Academic Specialization, Authorized Consultant, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Dimension Data

Mark Slaga

CEO

New York

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Security, Master Collaboration, Master Cloud Builder, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Advanced Unified Computing Technology, Cloud Builder-Infrastructure, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Master Unified Communications, Cloud and Managed Services Master, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Gold; Dell: Preferred; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, VCE Coalition Partner; HP: Gold; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Premier, Business Continuity, Infrastructure Virtualization

Enterprise Computing Solutions (ECS)

David Butler

President, CEO

Mission Viejo, Calif.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Registered; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Preferred; HP: Platinum, Computer Specialist, HP Software Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Networking Specialist, Printing Specialist, Server Specialist, Service Specialist, Storage Specialist; VMware: Enterprise, Academic Specialization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Gotham Technology Group

Ira Silverman

CEO

Montvale, N.J.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Select, Advanced Unified Communications; Citrix: Platinum; Dell: Preferred; EMC: VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement, ASN Implement Partner; HP: PartnerOne Preferred Partner; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Premier, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization, vCenter Lighthouse Partner Initiative, vShield Lighthouse Partner Initiative

Groupware Technology

Mike Thompson

President, CEO

Campbell, Calif.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Silver, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Cloud Provider, Express Foundation, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Premier; EMC: Velocity SP; HP: Gold, Oracle Solutions Elite, PartnerOne Preferred Partner, Microsoft Virtualization Elite, Networking Elite, Enterprise Networking Authorized, APSP, ASP; IBM: Premier; NetApp: Star, Platinum; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Premier, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

MCPc

Michael Trebilcock

Chairman, CEO

Cleveland

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Cloud Builder, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Advanced Borderless Network, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Gold; Dell: Premier, Cloud Builder; EMC: Velocity SP; HP: PartnerOne Platinum; IBM: Premier; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Netelligent

Aaron Stone

President, CEO

Chesterfield, Mo.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Security, Master Collaboration, Cloud IaaS, Cloud Provider, Express Foundation, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Master Unified Communications, Managed Service Master; Citrix: Member; Dell: Certified; EMC: Velocity SP, VCE Coalition Partner, ASN Implement Partner; HP: Business, PartnerOne Business Partner; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Enterprise, Professional, Infrastructure Virtualization

Nth Generation Computing

Jan Baldwin

CEO

San Diego

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Select; Dell: Preferred, Premier; HP: Platinum, Cloud Builder Specialist, Computer Specialist, HP Software Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Networking Specialist, Printing Specialist, Server Specialist, Service Specialist, Storage Specialist; VMware: Premier, Authorized Consultant, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization, vCenter Lighthouse Partner Initiative, vShield Lighthouse Partner Initiative, Cloud IaaS

NWN

Mont Phelps

CEO

Waltham, Mass.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Security, Master Cloud Builder, Cloud Application Integrator, Cloud Builder-Infrastructure, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Master Unified Communications, Managed Service Master, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Preferred; EMC: Cloud Service Provider, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Premier, VCE Coalition Partner; HP: Platinum; IBM: Member; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Professional, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization, vCenter Lighthouse Partner Initiative

Sirius Computer Solutions

Joe Mertens

President, CEO

San Antonio

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Security, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Master Unified Communications, Cloud and Managed Services Master, Master, Advanced Unified Communications; Citrix: Platinum; Dell: Premier; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement, Signature; HP: Platinum; IBM: Premier, Cloud Infrastructure Providers, Cloud & Smarter Infrastructure; NetApp: Star; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Premier, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization, Cloud IaaS

Structured Communication Systems

Ron Fowler

CEO

Clackamas, Ore.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Premier, Advanced Unified Computing Technology, Express Foundation; Citrix: Gold; Dell: Preferred; HP: PartnerOne Preferred Partner, Enterprise Networking Authorized, Enterprise Storage Elite; IBM: IBM Advanced; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Enterprise, Business Continuity, Infrastructure Virtualization

Systems Engineering

Harry McMann

CEO

Portland, Maine

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Premier, Advanced Collaboration Architecture, Advanced Unified Computing Technology, Express Foundation, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced Borderless Network, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Registered, Premier; EMC: Velocity SP; HP: Gold, Silver; NetApp: Gold; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Enterprise, Professional, Infrastructure Virtualization

Technology Integration Group (TIG)

Bruce Geier

President, CEO

San Diego

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced Borderless Network, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Premier; EMC: VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement, Premier; HP: Platinum, Computer Specialist, HP Software Specialist, Infrastructure Specialist, Networking Specialist, Printing Specialist, Server Specialist, Service Specialist, Storage Specialist; IBM: Premier; NetApp: Gold, Star; Symentec: Gold; VMware: Premier, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization

Varrow

Jeremiah Cook

CEO

Greensboro, N.C.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Premier, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Advanced DC Architecture Specialization; Citrix: Platinum; Dell: Registered; EMC: Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement; VMware: Premier, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization, Hybrid Cloud

Venture Technologies

Gerard Gibert

CEO

Ridgeland, Miss.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Gold, Master Collaboration, Master Cloud Builder, Cloud Infrastructure

Partner, Advanced Wireless LAN, Advanced DC Networking Infrastructure, Advanced DC Storage Networking, Master Unified Communications, Managed Service Master, Advanced Borderless Network, Advanced DC Architecture Spec, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Security; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Preferred, Premier; EMC: Cloud Service Provider, Converged Infrastructure, VCE, VSPEX, Velocity SP, Service Implement, VCE Coalition Partner; HP: Platinum; IBM: Premier; Symentec: Silver; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Infrastructure Virtualization

VeriStor

Ashby Lincoln

President, CEO

Duluth, Ga.

HIGHLIGHTS OF CERTIFICATIONS: Cisco: Silver, Registered; Citrix: Silver; Dell: Premier; EMC: Velocity SP; HP: Platinum, Services Sales Elite, Virtualization Elite, PartnerOne Preferred Partner, Networking Elite, Enterprise Networking Authorized, Network Security Elite, Business Critical Service Elite, Converged Infrastructure Elite, Enterprise Storage Elite; VMware: Premier, Enterprise, Business Continuity, Desktop Virtualization, Infrastructure Virtualization, Hybrid Cloud