Tech Data U.S. Offers VARs Storage Virtualization Software From DataCore

The Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Division of Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ:TECD) today announced a partnership with DataCore Software to help value-added resellers (VARs) deploy the latest storage virtualization solutions. Through AIS, VARs have access to a broad array of DataCore^™ software solutions that enable users to more efficiently manage, provision and allocate disk space on all storage devices attached to their storage area network (SAN).

"IT administrators are facing increasingly complex storage management issues, including how best to utilize storage hardware to satisfy skyrocketing, business-critical demands for disk space,” said Tech Data Director, Product Marketing, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Division, Amy Belcher. "In the past, the solution was to physically reallocate storage devices or simply purchase more hardware. With storage virtualization, VARs offer their customers compelling, cost-effective solutions that ease many management issues while facilitating a greater return on investment for existing storage infrastructure.”

DataCore storage virtualization software enables better utilization of storage devices attached to the SAN by creating a virtual pool of storage capacity that can be allocated and provisioned in real time as user demand warrants. This facilitates more efficient, centralized management of storage attached to a network serving home, branch and remote offices; comprehensive data replication, protection and security for business continuity; enhanced load balancing for quicker response times; data migration between virtual disks to provide uninterrupted service during hardware upgrades; and advanced analysis and reporting capabilities to track exactly how an organization’s storage is being utilized at any moment.

"DataCore virtualization software is an excellent opportunity for VARs to demonstrate strong value to their customers by fundamentally changing how they manage their storage, reducing costs and complexity while enhancing business critical applications such as disaster recovery,” said Christian Hagen, vice president of sales for the Americas and EMEA, DataCore Software. "Tech Data’s AIS Division has developed one of the channel’s strongest virtualization practices, and its VAR customers are best positioned to deliver these solutions to SMBs and larger enterprises. Our distribution agreement with Tech Data will better enable DataCore to establish strong partnerships with leading data center VARs nationwide.”

DataCore storage virtualization software available through Tech Data includes:

• SANmelody^™ – SANmelody converts virtual and physical servers into fully capable storage servers and high-availability iSCSI and FC SAN platforms. It facilitates storage consolidation, greater disk utilization, centralized management, automated administration, enhanced business continuity and recovery times, and quicker performance.
• SANsymphony^™ – SANsymphony is an open storage networking platform designed for large-scale SANs to maximize the value of an organization’s existing IT assets through storage virtualization and advanced management tools. It increases storage utilization by creating a virtual global disk capacity that helps administrators streamline operations by quickly provisioning and allocating storage, cutting downtime, and enhancing service levels, availability and security across the entire network.

DataCore software operates across leading storage systems, including EMC, Fujitsu, HP and IBM, as well as Linux, Windows and Mac operating systems. To learn more, call 800-237-8931, or send e-mail to datacore@techdata.com.

Tech Data's Advanced Infrastructure Solutions Division

Tech Data's Advanced Infrastructure Solutions (AIS) Division combines a high-touch, consultative sales approach with the distributor's extensive technical expertise and broad product knowledge to help VARs capitalize on the demand for advanced server, storage and software solutions. Through partner enablement and dedicated, expert resources, the division helps VARs develop a profitable, strategic approach to selling high-end data centers utilizing industry-standard solutions. To learn more, call 888-834-6247 or send e-mail to ais-sales@techdata.com.

About Tech Data

Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ GS: TECD) is one of the world's largest distributors of technology products from leading IT hardware and software producers. Tech Data serves more than 100,000 IT solution providers in over 100 countries. Every day, these value-added resellers depend on Tech Data to cost-effectively support the technology needs of end users, including small and medium businesses (SMB), large enterprises and government agencies. Ranked 105th on the FORTUNE 500(R), Tech Data generated $23.4 billion in net sales for its fiscal year ended January 31, 2008. To learn more, visit www.techdata.com.