Datalink Becomes HDS Partner

Datalink Corporation has been selected as the first
Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) partner authorized to provide first-call support for
Hitachi Unified Compute Platform Select for vSphere with Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), and for
Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform (VSP), a portfolio of converged infrastructure
solutions that integrate storage, server, and networking solutions to drive
business agility.

Datalink OneCall Unified Support Services will expedite problem resolution by
enabling customers to call one solution-level services provider with expertise
across storage, servers, and networking to isolate and address the root cause
of incidents.

The authorization applies to Datalink customers who purchase Hitachi UCP Select
for vSphere with Cisco UCS solutions, a series of pre-validated reference
architectures utilizing Hitachi VSP, Cisco UCS blade servers and switches, and
other components included for different application environments such as
desktop and server virtualization, collaboration, database, data warehousing
and business analytics. Each solution accelerates deployment and simplifies
management by pre-integrating technology components, eliminating compatibility
problems, and optimizing performance to handle increased workload throughput.

"Support for converged data center
infrastructures necessitates the need for a hybrid support services provider
with deep expertise across servers, storage, and networks," said Shawn
O’Grady, EVP of field operations, Datalink. "This new support agreement with Hitachi Data Systems reflects our 25+
year history of helping customers optimize their operations and our ability to
leverage that foundation to support complex, converged infrastructures."

Support services for customers will be provided by Datalink OneCall
support centers in Eden Prairie, MN, and Cary, NC, staffed by over 48 engineers
with expertise in relevant technologies. Datalink OneCall support
teams will assume ownership of each reported incident, conduct initial triages,
resolve problems, and shepherd all incidents that must be escalated to HDS or
other component vendors until a resolution is reached.

"Our dual support centers, along with
the depth and breadth of our support services delivery capabilities, were
central to Datalink becoming the first channel partner to provide first-call
support for Hitachi UCP Select for vSphere with Cisco UCS," said Mike
Parsons, VP of support services, Datalink.

Datalink can also perform implementation and integration services, as well as
provide managed services designed for converged data centers. Its managed services include 24×7 monitoring and administration of all
hardware and software in the environment, 24×7 incident and problem management,
and unified dashboards that facilitate problem identification by displaying key
performance indicators for multiple components on a single screen.

"Bundling storage, server and
networking in a single pre-tested infrastructure delivers major time and labor
savings for data center deployments," said Jeff Henry, SVP and GM,
Americas, HDS. "Customer support
programs require a consolidated strategy and associated one-stop
accountability, to ensure rapid problem resolution with minimal business
disruption. With Datalink’s OneCall service, enterprises that implement Hitachi
UCP Select for vSphere with Cisco UCS solutions through Datalink have that
critical ‘one call does it all’ support model to help them realize the full
benefits of unified computing."