NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To support the expanding role of the network in deploying cloud services, Dimension Data, the $5.8 billion global specialist IT solutions and services provider, today announced that it has achieved the Cisco Cloud Builder designation within the Cisco Cloud Partner Program¹.

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This designation recognizes Dimension Data's competencies in selling and implementing Cisco end‑to-end cloud solutions for end customers and cloud providers².

"As companies increasingly embrace cloud computing to enhance their business, we realize that planning, building and managing a cloud can be very complicated," said Jim Hirt, vice president of Enterprise Services, Dimension Data Americas. "Building upon our cloud services portfolio and global cloud platform, earning the Cisco Cloud Builder designation better positions us to help our clients with their journey to the cloud – including design, implementation, management and support."

In addition to providing the requisite cloud infrastructure, management and services for achieving the Cisco Cloud Builder designation, Dimension Data offers a comprehensive portfolio of public, private and hybrid cloud solutions, based on its globally distributed Managed Cloud Platform^™ (MCP), a fully managed platform for the delivery of cloud services. Dimension Data currently has public MCPs in North America, Europe, Africa and Australia, and provides managed cloud services in more than 51 countries.

Hosted within a Dimension Data or client data center, the MCP is comprised of cloud infrastructure (servers, storage, networking, virtualization and operating system software) and Dimension Data CloudControl^™, a cloud management system that provides operational control and automation of cloud resource provisioning, orchestration, administration and billing. The MCP can be accessed via a web-based user interface or REST-based application interface (API), enabling integration of the platform with third-party cloud or enterprise system management software. Private MCPs can be deployed in client data centers across more than 100 countries. Dimension Data's public cloud services can be accessed globally via Dimension Data Public MCPs in San Jose, CA and Ashburn, VA, United States; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Sydney, Australia; and Johannesburg, South Africa. For more information on the services, please visit: www.dimensiondata.com/cloud.

Notes to editors
¹The Cisco Cloud Partner Program empowers channel partners to build end-to-end cloud solutions and professional services practices based on Cisco cloud solutions. This program offers training to help channel partners as they enhance their competencies in selling and implementing end-to-end cloud solutions that include Cisco and approved third-party technology partners' solutions in an integrated cloud solution.

²As a Cisco designated Cloud Builder Partner, Dimension Data has met the required competencies across all cloud infrastructure components (security, networking, compute, storage and virtualization solutions), cloud management applications and a formal cloud professional services practice.

About Dimension Data
Founded in 1983, Dimension Data plc is an ICT services and solutions provider that uses its technology expertise, global service delivery capability, and entrepreneurial spirit to accelerate the business ambitions of its clients. Dimension Data is a member of the NTT Group. www.dimensiondata.com

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SOURCE Dimension Data