Cisco News
TMDistributing Changes Name to TMD, Unveils New Identity
Selection as Cisco Specialty Distributor, New Corporate Headquarters Spur Company's Growth
FORT WORTH, Texas — (January 17, 2012) — Fort Worth, Texas-based TMDistributing, a leading provider of integrated solutions for the visual communications market, today announces a new name — TMD. The new, more succinct name and updated logo represent the strategic evolution of the company, better reflecting its expertise in providing integration of audio-visual and IT products to help organizations collaborate more efficiently.
“Building on our position as the only company in the industry to offer true integration of audio-visual and IT, the name TMD and our new logo signal the energy, passion, and turnkey solutions we offer our customers,” said Darcy Harrell, CEO of TMD. “We help our client’s teams collaborate more effectively than ever before through the smart deployment of inspired technology.”
Along with the name change, TMD recently moved its corporate headquarters into a larger facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Serving as the hub for TMD’s operations and support services, the new location includes a training facility that will be used for product instruction and demonstration for customers from around the world.
“As we enter 2012 and beyond, our vision for the market, along with our more than three decades of experience, will continue to drive growth and industry leadership as we help customers solve their most pressing challenges,” said Harrell. “The opening of our new headquarters is an example of our commitment to expanding the customer base we serve and upholding our company’s mission of focusing on innovation, teamwork, and delivering sustainable value and support to our customers. We look forward to experiencing continued collaboration and success in the future.”
In addition, TMD is one of a select number of Specialty Distributors of Cisco TelePresence products in the United States. Prior to Cisco’s acquisition of videoconferencing manufacturer TANDBERG in 2010, TMD served as the exclusive Channel Development Partner for TANDBERG in the Southwest since 2005. TMD provides value-added services by offering authorized partners on- and off-site training, technical support, field sales support, and custom telepresence design services.
Julie Hens, vice president, Americas Distribution at Cisco, stated, “Joining forces with TMD a little over one year ago has been a mutually beneficial decision. In a short amount of time, TMD’s stellar reputation and proven capabilities have resulted in furthering the adoption and growth of Cisco TelePresence solutions. Our channel partners are thriving with the support of TMD’s technical know-how and original customer programs and services.”
Erate News
NEW ORDER RELEASED FOR FORM 470, RFP
The FCC recently released an Order which deals with brand/part specificity in Form 470 and/or RFP descriptions. In a nutshell, the FCC has stated that a competitive biding violation does occur when an applicant lists a "specific manufacturer's name, brand, product or service" on their Form 470 or RFP unless it is accompanied by the phrase "or equivalent".
While the Order is relatively new, it appears - at least based on initial analysis - that listing a specific part number will be acceptable if it accompanied by "or equivalent". The guidance in the Order technically does not go into effect until FY2013 but FFL strongly suggests that any Forms 470 and/or RFPs, published from this point forward, be compliant with the guidance in the Order.
For more details on the new Order visit please contact Tracie Bryant in the TMD Business Development Unit at tbryant@tmdconnect.com.
Coming Soon: SMB TelePresence Program
LEVEL SMB TELEPRESENCE PROGRAM
Cisco Authorized Distributors will release program requirements to qualified resellers in early January with an expected program launch in February 2012. Here's the scoop:
- Select and above partners can enter program
- Product access is limited to entry-level telepresence endpoints (TBD)
- Training & Exam - contact TMD for details
- No product exceptions
- Marketing collateral - in progress
Get ahead of the game by ensuring your Select and above status. You can find the step-by-step instructions athttp://www.cisco.com/web/partners/partner_with_cisco or by reaching out to Nadine in the TMD Business Development Unit nadine@tmdconnect.com
Cisco Partner Promos
GETTING AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION
The Cisco Collaboration Breakaway can be used to target new customers to support competitive displacement. It can also be used to target existing customers to expand and upgrade their current Cisco deployment. Either way, it can provide your customers with stability while helping you take market share.
Act now. The Cisco Collaboration Breakaway program is only available for a limited time, running through January 28, 2012. More information can be found by clicking here.
Don't forget to take advantage of all the Cisco Partner Promotions. A complete list with details can be found on the TelePresence Partner Portal.