Convergence is a term that, in the communications space, was used to describe the layering of voice traffic onto data networks. But what it has really come to mean is the confluence of networking and communications infrastructures, products, services, and management on single platforms.

Indeed, networking and communications are the core of any business, and with the growth of IP Communications, can no longer be separated. As such, it's also important to understand that resellers and partners that have positioned themselves as complete solution providers, like CDW.

For its efforts in delivering complete cost effective, efficiency enhancing converged solutions to its customers, CDW was named a winner of five separate awards at Cisco's annual channel partner conference in Boston earlier this month. The awards include:

·         Global Small Business Partner of the Year;

·         U.S. and Canada National Small Business Partner of the Year;

·         U.S. and Canada Theater Small Business Partner of the Year;

·         Public Sector Mobility Partner of the Year; and

·         Central Region Enterprise Partner of the Year.

As evidenced by the scope of the awards, CDW's expertise extends from small businesses to large enterprises, and includes mobility solutions as well -- clearly showing its breadth of capabilities as a reseller of not only Cisco solutions, but a host of other high quality networking, computing, and communications solutions for any business of any size.

CDW's vice president of product and partner management Matt Troka noted that CDW prides itself on its "dedication to supporting customers and their technology needs across all market segments -- public and private, large and small."

Part of becoming a valued partner to both vendors and customers is the ability to leverage quality products to lower capital and operational costs, which is among the key areas of focus for CDW today, as it looks to solve networking and communications challenges for its budget conscious customers, with access to certified IT experts who are ready to help understand and address current and future business networking needs.

For more on CDW's approach to delivering enhanced value to small, mid-sized, and large businesses, check out the IT Cost Reduction community on TMCnet.