Services sales in store for IBM partners

Big Blue claims VARs can build strong services offerings around new mid-range disk based storage portfolio

Big Blue bargain: IBM claims the Storwize V7000 offers enterprise-grade technology at mid-market pricing

IBM is claims its new-look disk-based storage line-up will allow the channel to offer customers enterprise-class technology to its mid-market customers.

The centrepiece of the expanded portfolio is the Storwize V7000, a virtualised disk offering that incorporates SAN Volume Controller technology.

Stewart Bazneh, IBM UK's sales leader for virtual disk solutions and software, said: "We have invested billions in research and development and are looking to utilise these technologies to make sure that we give best-of-breed solutions to the masses, not just the elite few. [The V7000] is built around proven, enterprise-class technologies and will support not only IBM storage, but technology from all the leading vendors."

The kit will be available to the channel from next month and Bazneh claimed its ability to be customised would provide lucrative wrap-around services opportunities.
"We have briefed quite a few of our partners and every one of them is really excited," he added.