Kodak Offers Service and Support For Plasmon Products

Plasmon data storage product users now have access to expert service and support through Kodak. Alliance Storage Technologies, Inc. (ASTI), owner of Plasmon technologies, and KODAK Service & Support, which provides comprehensive services for all Plasmon products, are currently finalizing an agreement that will establish Kodak as the Alliance Preferred Authorized Service Provider.

As the Preferred Authorized Service Provider, Kodak will have access to factory parts; comprehensive training and certification; ASTI technical support, including third level software and hardware engineering resources; and all related ASTI product documentation and utilities to ensure customer satisfaction and the highest level of service. Additionally, Kodak customers will be entitled to receive the same benefits as if directly contracting with ASTI, such as new firmware releases or Archive Appliance software releases.

Plasmon technology users can purchase maintenance plans through KODAK Service & Support or ASTI to receive ongoing support for their Plasmon products. With this full support maintenance plan, users have unfettered access to Kodak’s onsite service team, and ASTI’s technical support call center and engineer and software developers. In addition, plan members regularly receive new releases and updates of firmware and software.

"As requirements for data retention change, our customers are increasingly implementing storage solutions to help meet regulations and secure their information," said Karen Sherrill, Worldwide Service Director, Document Imaging, Kodak. "Ongoing maintenance for storage products helps ensure that data is continually protected, archived and accessible. KODAK Service & Support collaborates with vendors like ASTI to offer customers unmatched service and support, providing one-point access to ASTI’s technical expertise and Kodak’s award-winning onsite service teams."

Plasmon ultra density optical (UDO) technology is the premier archival storage technology specifically designed to meet professional data archive requirements. Using proprietary Phase Change recording processes that permanently alter the physical state of true write-once recording layer material, in conjunction with a professional grade media cartridge, ensures the data integrity of corporate assets. ASTI purchased all of Plasmon’s assets in January 2009, and immediately rebuilt the Plasmon technical and engineering support teams. It began shipping Plasmon products, including Libraries, Drives, Media and related parts in February. Today, ASTI offers and works with Kodak to service all models and configurations of Plasmon archival libraries.

"ASTI has worked hard to build a team of engineering and technical experts to ensure that our customers continue to receive stellar service and support for their Plasmon archival systems," said Chris Carr, CEO and President, ASTI. "This agreement gives customers streamlined access to a complete service offering, saving them time and money, and providing peace of mind that their archived data remains secure and that they are receiving excellent service for their critical archive systems."

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service & Support. KODAK Service & Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service & Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.