Avnet Technology Solutions Americas With DR and BC Offering

Avnet Technology Solutions Americas unveiled a data protection solution for IBM Corp.‘s business partners in the U.S. and Canada.

The solution enables partners to address the DR and BC challenges of their mid-market customers, while enhancing their data center and storage offerings. The new offering combines services from Avnet with software and hardware from IBM and Brocade Communications Systems, Inc.

The solution offers data replication features that securely and efficiently transport critical business data to remote sites over any distance.

"While companies recognize that disaster recovery and business continuity plans are critical, they can be resource intensive to implement," said Mark Martin, VP of business development and marketing, Avnet Technology Solutions, Americas, IBM Solutions group. "Avnet worked with IBM and Brocade to design a cost-effective, secure solution that helps mid-market enterprises protect their data and information assets. With this solution, our partners will be able to competitively differentiate themselves and drive additional storage sales by offering a solution that addresses their customers’ technology and financial issues."

With this solution, partners will be able to provide their customers with the ability to restart processing in their backup data centers at the point of disruption. Instead of locating and loading back-up files, a customer’s remote data center can immediately continue transactions from the most current point reached at the primary data center, saving time and improving customer service.

The solution can be customized to meet the nique needs of end customers. The baseline offering includes the IBM Storwize V7000 controller, remote mirroring software, and IBM/Brocade SAN06B routers (which include encryption, data compression and bandwidth management). This technology is enhanced with services from Avnet, including the installation and implementation of the solution and overall project management. The services from Avnet complement partners’ services offerings, enabling them to expand their IT services capabilities or obtain additional bench strength when needed.

"Our mid-market customers struggle with disaster recovery and business continuity," said Chris Mierzwa," VP of storage solutions, Sirius Computer Solutions, an IT solutions integrator and Avnet partner. "They know they need robust technology and solid processes, but high-quality solutions in this space typically come with high prices. Avnet’s new solution is an attractive proposition since it is specifically designed for mid-sized companies without the money and resources to implement what their businesses require. It provides the industry-leading technology at an affordable entry point. By including services, software and hardware in one integrated solution, it facilitates a successful deployment and further enhances our role as a trusted advisor to our customers."