NEWS BRIEFS
Omaha, NEB. — MSI Systems Integrators (MSI) held ceremonies to commemorate the opening of one of the first Storage Area Network (SAN) Solution Centers in the U.S.
Part of IBM’s $400 million initiative to harness the explosive growth of data, the SAN Solution Centers are opening in 20 countries around the world. IBM chose MSI to build and operate one of the first five SAN Solution Centers in this country. The centers expand IBM’s network of locally available SAN expertise and complement IBM SAN testing facilities in the U.S., Germany, France and Japan.
“MSI is pleased to be recognized by IBM for our work in the enterprise storage arena by naming us to this elite group,” said MSI President Bob Gentzler. “SAN technology is one of the most important IT advancements since the emergence of network computing, and MSI will lead the way in providing SAN solutions throughout the Midwest. The huge growth of e-business data and costs associated with managing that data make storage area networks essential to any company that wants to compete in today’s new economy.”
The grand opening ceremony was held at the MSI corporate office, 14301 First National Parkway in Omaha, and featured a presentation by Linda Sanford, General Manager of IBM’s Storage Subsystems Division. Sanford is one of the highest-ranking executives at IBM and is a member of the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame and the National Association of Engineers.
“Information has become the currency of business and storage represents the bank,” said Sanford. “With business partners like MSI, more customers can now enjoy the benefits of IBM SANs to better manage the data that is so critical to their business.”
A Storage Area Network is a high-speed network dedicated to information management. Technically, it is a combination of hardware, software and networking components that provides the foundation for a ‘zero latency’ computing environment – one with the ability to exchange information immediately. By separating information management from information processing, SANs alleviate the information buildup that can occur within a traditional technology system – a critical requirement for today’s 24 x 365 computing environments.
The MSI SAN Solution Center provides the capability to test and demonstrate new hardware and software technologies so that businesses can better understand the benefits of linking storage products into networks. In addition to validating requirements for SAN storage solutions, MSI will use the facility to provide training on new SAN technologies for customers’ staffs. All of this enables MSI customers to deploy SAN solutions that help them rapidly and effectively evolve as e-businesses.
MSI architects, builds and supports information technology and e-business solutions designed specifically for the business-critical requirements of clients using proven technology from IBM, Cisco Systems, Lotus, AT&T, Tivoli, McDATA and other industry leaders. MSI provides its clients with e-business, e-commerce and infrastructure solutions that have a positive impact on profitability and business processes now and far into the future. For more information about MSI and the MSI SAN Solution Center, visit http://www.msiinet.com .
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