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Westcon Group Inc., a specialty distributor in networking, convergence, security and mobility, has signed a multi-year global distribution agreement with Cisco.

According to Westcon officials, the new agreement will enable both companies to conduct cross-border transactions more efficiently while increasing the companies' ability to access emerging market opportunities in regions such as Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Officials are of the view that the new global distribution agreement provides both companies with a single contractual vehicle from which to manage global, regional and local business activities with common terms and conditions.

In the past, both companies transacted business through independent regional contracts.

"This agreement creates a solid framework for both Cisco (News - Alert) and Westcon Group to deliver value to the reseller community faster and more efficiently, no matter where they are in the world,” said Bill Corbin, vice president, global strategic relations, Westcon Group (News - Alert), in a statement.

Corbin said the agreement also underscores the broad trend towards cross-border deployments of technology, which engender greater complexity due to regulatory and financial risks.

Westcon officials said that the company’s Global Procurement System (GPS), or its global order desk, delivers outstanding automation capabilities and cross-theatre support to Westcon's Cisco-oriented reseller base.

The company’s GPS in addition to helping resellers conduct cross-border transactions more efficiently has also helped lower Cisco's barrier to entry in emerging markets.

Last year, Westcon Group shipped Cisco solutions to more than 60 countries.

"Globalisation is changing the face of business, creating a new set of competitive dynamics and evolving traditional business models,” said Dave O'Callaghan, vice president of Distribution, Worldwide Channels at Cisco. “To better serve our customers in this global economy, Cisco is evolving its partner ecosystem and channel programs.”

O'Callaghan said Westcon will be the company’s first global logistics and distribution partner, helping Cisco and its channel partners streamline business transactions for global customers.