Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/09/20/metastor_pushes_open_san_channel/

MetaStor pushes open SAN channel scheme

Looking to sign up additional resellers

By Linda Harrison

Posted in On-Prem, 20th September 1999 15:36 GMT

MetaStor Storage Solutions, a division of Logic Storage Systems, starts its first channel scheme for open SAN solutions tomorrow. The storage company is launching its Channel Alliance Partner Programme. This will give resellers sales support, technical training and customer education on open SAN solutions – a package where MetaStor products are compatible with other vendors' hardware and software. MetaStor will carry out interoperability testing for products. It will also set up a support line where resellers can call for advice on all vendors' hardware or software. To qualify for the scheme, Certified Integration Partners must sell at least one SAN solution, including all SAN components offered by MetaStor. MetaStor currently sells SAN through five resellers in the UK – Byte Technology, RedStor, Westek, Teknik and Screen. It is looking to recruit another two resellers by the end of the year. Bill Reed, MetaStor Storage Solutions MD, said the company would stay committed to the indirect channel. He said that resellers' importance was growing due to the shifting position of storage. "For a very long time, storage systems were viewed as server centric; now they are storage centric. "Therefore, end customers require help in defining and fully understanding their system needs in relation to what is offered. Other storage vendors who sell direct cut out the middleman and, in doing so, cut out their expertise." MetaStor's Channel Alliance Partner Programme was launched in the US last week. ®