Companies

Avnet launches courses for healthcare IT suppliers

Avnet Technology Solutions, a solutions distribution leader and an operating group of Avnet, Inc., announced that it has expanded its HealthPath and VirtualPath University programs for value-added resellers into Canada.

Based on their success in the U.S., Avnet customized its HealthPath and VirtualPath universities with specific Canadian market information to provide solutions providers operating in Canada with the in-depth expertise needed to effectively target the specialized healthcare and virtualization markets. The three-day courses combine real-world industry and country knowledge with critical technology and sales skills development.

“Despite economic conditions, the healthcare and virtualization markets in Canada present opportunities for solutions providers to grow and expand their businesses,” said Brian Aebig, vice president and general manager, Avnet Technology Solutions, Canada. “However, there’s a catch – the markets are highly specialized and require ramp-up time to understand how to effectively pursue opportunities. With our HealthPath and VirtualPath universities, Avnet accelerates our partners’ success by teaching them how to begin quickly selling into these markets while minimizing their investment cost and risks.”

The first Canadian HealthPath University course was held May 12-14, 2009, in Toronto, with more than 30 solution providers in attendance. The curriculum concentrated on the fundamentals of the healthcare business in Canada. It included an overview of the key players within the Canadian government and healthcare institutions, market potential, business drivers, typical hospital environments, purchasing processes, organizational structures, terminology and healthcare technologies.

The Canadian HealthPath University class followed on the success of Avnet’s first Canadian VirtualPath University class, which took place in early April. More than 20 solution providers attended the course, which focused on how to pursue the breadth of virtualization opportunities through a solutions-driven approach. Participants were provided with educational tools and resources to begin expanding their virtualization practices into areas beyond server virtualization and consolidation, such as desktops, disaster recovery, management, security and storage.

“After attending VirtualPath University, I understand the business problems each virtualization solution addresses and how to directly tie that solution to the needs of my customers,” said John Mangold, director of enterprise solutions, METAFORE. “I’ve become a true advisor to my customers because of this approach, and we’re also seeing an increase in our pipeline because of it. Based on my VirtualPath University experience, I attended Avnet’s Canadian HealthPath University, which helped me gain the market expertise and skills needed to grow my business even further by targeting the healthcare market.”

Avnet is scheduled to hold additional Canadian HealthPath and VirtualPath University courses later this year. For more information, please visit www.ats.avnet.com/solutions/healthcare/ for HealthPath University and www.ats.avnet.com/solutions/virtualization/ for VirtualPath University.

About Avnet Technology Solutions
Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. As a global technology sales and marketing organization, Avnet Technology Solutions has sales divisions focused on specific customer segments and a select line card strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its customers and suppliers. For fiscal year 2008, the group served customers in more than 30 countries and generated US $7.6 billion in annual revenue. The group’s Web site is www.ats.avnet.com.

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology in the world. Avnet accelerates its partners’ success by connecting the world’s leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2008, Avnet generated revenue of $17.95 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.