Available immediately across Europe and the Middle East, the bundled solution comprises an EMC Celerra NS20 storage system with a fast-track product certification under EMC’s Authorised Services Network (ASN) Partner programme.
The EMC Celerra NS20 is a flexible multi-protocol IP storage system that combines NAS and iSCSI capabilities in one integrated package. It has up to a 32 TB usable capacity, which is ideal for file storage and application server storage consolidation. Included with the NS20 is a free Quick Start Pack which provides EMC Affiliate Partners with the full on-line training and accreditation services needed to qualify them to install and maintain NS20 systems at their customers’ premises.
The ASN training for the NS20, which usually costs €1,500, is provided free. Partners who gain the certification from the Quick Start Pack will benefit from broader business opportunities under EMC’s ASN Partner programme, and can expect to earn higher-margins in addressing the small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector.
An evaluation report published in July 2007 by Demartek, the SMB-focused industry analysis and testing company, said: “The NS20 is competitively priced, with several strong features included in the base price for which other vendors charge extra. With the Celerra NS20, EMC sets a new standard for file server and storage consolidation with an affordable, flexible, and easy-to-use platform.”
According to Nicola Keskin, EMC Product Manager at Magirus, “This bundled solution presents EMC Affiliate Partners with the best of both worlds: a market-winning entry-level priced storage product as well as the means to gain free certification. Once qualified, partners will have increased opportunities for higher-margin services on these systems under the banner of the EMC ASN Partner programme.”