CDW LLC, a leading provider of technology products and services to business, government, education and healthcare, today announced that it has achieved the Cisco^® Master Cloud Builder Specialization. This specialization recognizes CDW as having the capabilities to build and deploy cloud-ready integrated infrastructures based on Cisco solutions and technology ecosystem partner cloud offerings across storage, virtualization, cloud management and virtual desktop.

“The Cisco Master Cloud Builder designation recognizes CDW’s excellence in navigating the complex process of building cloud environments,” said Doug Eckrote, senior vice president, strategic solutions and services, CDW. “Our upcoming research report, State of the Cloud, shows more than half of organizations nationally are shifting or planning to shift applications or infrastructure to the cloud. We can offer them the highest level of technical expertise, a tailored combination of services and offerings that takes into account specific customer requirements, and a proven track record.”

The specialization is the result of a rigorous evaluation process in which CDW demonstrated master-level capabilities in designing, deploying and supporting data center cloud-ready infrastructure, as well as an established record of success implementing the technology for its customers. Evaluation for the specialization concludes with an audit of the partner’s capabilities by a third-party firm.

“This specialization brings together data center infrastructure, cloud management, eco-partner relationships and cross-vendor solution capabilities like VCE Vblock, NetApp Flexpod and Cisco VXI,” said Edison Peres, senior vice president for worldwide channels at Cisco. “It’s the customer’s ‘one-stop shop’ for the highest level of competencies for data center and cloud. CDW’s Cisco Master Cloud Builder Specialization is an outstanding achievement.”

The Cisco Master Cloud Builder Specialization is granted to a specific group of partners that possess in-depth technology and architecture skills. These partners also have demonstrated customer success in providing sophisticated, value-added Cisco Data Center and Cloud solutions including sales, deployment and services for Cisco data center and cloud solutions. Partners with a qualified data center and cloud practice can achieve a Master Cloud Builder Specialization regardless of certification level.

The Cisco Resale Channel Program provides a framework for partners to build and showcase the sales, technical and Cisco Lifecycle Services skills required to successfully deliver Cisco solutions to end customers. Through the program’s specializations and certifications, Cisco recognizes a partner’s expertise in deploying solutions based on Cisco advanced technologies and services. Using a third-party audit process, the program validates a partner’s technology skills, business practices, customer satisfaction, presales and postsales support capabilities, and other critical factors that customers consider when choosing a trusted partner.

CDW employs more than 500 Cisco-certified engineers and architects across the United States, including more than 50 with the CCIE certification – one of the highest technical certifications offered by Cisco. CDW holds all available Cisco Master Specializations – Cloud Builder, Managed Services, Security and Unified Communications.

For more about CDW’s cloud computing capabilities and offerings, please visit http://www.cdw.com/cloud.

About CDW

CDW is a leading provider of technology solutions for business, government, education and healthcare. Ranked No. 31 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies and No. 270 on the FORTUNE 500, CDW features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company’s solution architects offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include software, network communications, notebooks/mobile devices, data storage, video monitors, desktops, printers and solutions such as virtualization, collaboration, security, mobility, data center optimization and cloud computing. CDW was founded in 1984 and employs more than 6,900 coworkers. For the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2012, the company generated net sales of more than $10 billion. For more information, visit www.CDW.com.

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