New channel manager as Brocade seeks to help partner’s cloud evolution

Brocade is hoping to assist channel partners in their transition to a cloud-optimised networking environment, with the appointment of Paul Barge as ANZ channel manager.

Gary Denman, Brocade senior director for Australia and New Zealand, says Barge's appointment is 'very relevant for our channel as we revitalise our partners' abilities to market, sell and implement the new open network in a cloud computing era'.

"We are helping our customers go live with more dynamic, virtualised networking platforms and it is crucial that we have the right team and leaders in place to better align the channel with customer needs," Denman says.

Barge, who has commenced his new role, will be responsible for establishing, refining and managing all channel relationships for the ANZ region, as well as providing sales and marketing support 'to assist partner evolution to a cloud-optimised networking environment'.

Barge's 25 year global information technology career has seen him holding senior management roles where he was responsible for building high-level partner engagements on behalf of the world's leading IT vendors.

"He has an in-depth understanding of software, hardware and cloud technologies and has used this insight to establish and grow sales channel strategies and programmes in key markets around the world for organisations including Microsoft, Cisco and Red Hat," Brocade says.

Barge says he believes his role will have a positive impact on the direction of an open and agile network.

"I am looking forward to working with our valued partners to help them assess and modernise their customer's network whilst decreasing the risk level in their future investments.

He is currently discussing with channel partners across Australia and New Zealand to deliver programmes and tools that communicate how the new network is able to deliver cloud principles everywhere.

Barge will split his time between Sydney and Auckland, reporting to Denman.