Tech Data Enhances Storage and Data Protection Line Card
backup disaster recovery Infrastructure
AIS will distribute Breece Hill's disk-to-disk-to-tape appliances, tape automation solutions and magneto-optical media and drives, as well as Double-Take's real-time data replication software.
The products will become key components of AIS's Infrastructure Management Solutions VAR enablement program. AIS also brought BakBone's NetVault Backup StoreVault Edition data backup software, which works with the NetApp StoreVault S500 storage array and Sepaton's DS2 virtual tape library into its fold in recent weeks.
The expansion of the AIS line card meets demand in the market for data protection and backup solutions for small and midsize customers, said Pete Peterson, senior vice president and general manager of AIS for the Clearwater, Fla.-based distributor.
"If you take [Breece Hill and Double-Take Software] along with the other recent products we've signed in that space we think we have a pretty strong backup and recover tract within our IMS program now as well as we think we've signed four of the top emerging business partners in this space," said Peterson.
"Clearly with the compliance requirements that are out there today for all segments of our business, it is a growing segment of the market," he said. "Today your information is probably a company's most important asset You have to have a backup and recovery strategy to be an effective business today."
Customers will be given the chance to participate in IMS enablement events this year to learn about how to package, market and deploy advanced infrastructure solutions, one of which was held recently in Clearwater, Fla., and attended by Audrey Levi, president of Miami-based solution provider Altek Computer Group.
"They've come up with some very cool educational opportunities that they're building up around [the AIS division's product lines], which I think Tech Data is good at -- making sure the resellers understand it and know how to sell it," she said.
Levy said that having bundled storage and software solutions makes it easier for her to deliver the products in a timely fashion to her small business customers, and plans to source all four lines from Tech Data now that they're available.
"It will be huge for us to be able to do this and huge for us to be able to have some bundles, where with one product SKU everything can go to the customer. It certainly streamlines our process," she said. "I think storage is definitely a huge opportunity for us."
Virtualization is another area she's interested in exploring through AIS, and hopes the division picks up VMWare.
"It's a good virtualization product, although there are some competitors out there now. It will be interesting to see what happens," she said.