Bechtle launches all-in-one cloud solution.

• Entry-level cloud solution for SMBs
• Close cooperation with Cisco, NetApp and VMware
• Solution called "Build your own cloud"

At the Cisco Expo 2012 in Berlin, Bechtle and Cisco will present a comprehensive, secure cloud solution: "Build your own cloud" is an entry-level cloud solution for SMBs. This solution is based on preconfigured cloud stacks for hardware, software and management, and can be implemented immediately. Established standards for the infrastructure packages ensure that customers who choose the private cloud solution can draw on services from the public cloud at any time to enjoy the benefits of a hybrid cloud solution. A financing model and optional operation of the cloud environment by Bechtle Managed Services round out this product, which Bechtle offers primarily to SMBs.

Neckarsulm/Berlin, 02 May 2012 – At the Cisco Expo currently taking place in Berlin, Bechtle is cooperating with the world's leading provider of network solutions to introduce a cloud solution called "Build your own cloud". This all-in-one package is the first to include the entire range of hardware, software and services: "Our customers can now optimise their existing IT under affordable, calculable conditions through an innovative cloud solution. 'Build your own cloud' is a tailored solution for entering into the world of the cloud," explains Michael Guschlbauer, COO of IT System House & Managed Services at Bechtle AG.

Developed especially for SMBs, Bechtle's cloud solution includes infrastructure packages for networks, servers, storage, security and data management. This solution uses the FlexPod reference architecture with market-leading technologies from Cisco, NetApp and VMware. Cloud stacks are managed through a central console, significantly reducing administration costs.

Michael Ganser, Senior Vice President Central Theatre, EMEA and host of the Cisco Expo in Berlin announced the unique, ground-breaking solution in his opening speech at the conference. The official introduction of the product followed in the Bechtle Lounge. In presenting this solution, Michael Ganser emphasized that: "Nowadays, our customers' requirements can only rarely be met by just one special technology. A cross-technology architectural approach is gaining in importance—more often than not, this requires an intelligent combination of multiple architectures."

This approach inspired Bechtle to enable SMBs to enjoy the benefits of cloud computing. The result is a complete private cloud, ready for immediate use and including highly standardised implementation services and integration into our customers' existing processes. This solution also meets our customers' needs for high security. Roland König, Head of Virtualisation at Bechtle, explains: "Basically, we've wrapped up the cloud into a packaged unit, an all-in-one solution package. Of course, we also wanted to finally do away with those vague, not quite tangible aspects of the cloud. We require around six to eight weeks for analysis, planning and integration of the complete solution. We provide the customer with everything from a single source. That makes 'Build your own cloud' totally unique on the market." At the presentation in Berlin, he also emphasized that customers always maintain control over their data and cloud management. Whether to make the transition from a private cloud to a hybrid cloud is the customer's decision, based on his individual requirements.

Michael Guschlbauer, COO of IT System House & Managed Services at Bechtle AG:

"As a virtualisation specialist with more certifications than anyone in Europe, we have many years of experience with the foundational technology of cloud computing. Numerous discussions with our customers have also shown us that businesses are ready to take the next step in utilisation and operation of their IT. This next step is cloud computing. And I'm not talking about the use of individual cloud services such as software as a service, but rather about a systematic move towards an integrated cloud environment. Only a systematic approach ensures the optimised costs and flexibility customers want and need for their IT."

Michael Ganser, Senior Vice President Central Theatre, EMEA, Cisco:

"Operational integration of cloud services into a business's IT environment isn't easy. Up until now, there was no solution available on the IT market. Bechtle is the first systems integrator to offer a self-contained unit to support a dedicated business process. With Cisco, NetApp and VMware, this unit consists of the respective market leaders for network, storage and virtualisation solutions.

Bechtle has the highest partner status each of the involved manufacturers offers, and is a certified Cisco Cloud Builder.