The Basics

These begin with high availability, reliability and good security, all of which are" in the DNA of the data center business," according to Kevin Goodman, managing director and partner at BlueBridge Networks, a Cleveland-based solution provider that provides its own cloud solution, built on an IBM platform.

That's the "expectation" customers have of BlueBridge, and, in turn, what Goodman expects from vendor partners of BlueBridge – No. 459 on CRN's Solution Provider 500.

Goodman wants to know the following about his vendors: "Can I visit the site? Can I know the engineers? Can I get to know the leadership team? Can I understand their financials? How are they doing as a company?" he said.

"I can look at those things and do due diligence just as someone would [do the same] when they choose me, or when they choose anybody," he said.