EMC expands its data range
The acquisition of both Legato and Dantz puts EMC in a strong data recovery position
The channel has reacted positively to EMC's bolstered range of data recovery and management products, following its acquisitions of Dantz and Legato.
EMC acquired backup software vendor Dantz in October 2004 for just under $50m and storage systems vendor Legato in July 2003 for $1.3bn. It has since rebranded the Retrospect and NetWorker products, developing new features for both.
The vendor claimed that both its Dantz Retrospect data protection product, and its Legato NetWorker backup and recovery software, have been made easier to use and now include enhanced backup-to-disk functionality.
"Backup is now critical; it's an SME's biggest pain-point. The Dantz acquisition allows a more complete solution for the sector and an extension into the enterprise," said Victoria Grey, vice- president of worldwide sales and marketing at EMC.
Juliet Lepoutre, EMC director of international sales, said: "Retrospect is designed to protect an SME's server data and is easy for resellers to sell and support."
EMC claimed SME customers rely on its channel partners for data protection products, and said both its Legato and Dantz arms will continue to have a major presence in the channel.
"It would be impossible for EMC to reach each SME, and we can't understand all of their needs. That's the channel partner's job," Grey said.
The software giant recently unveiled its Velocity channel programme, which seeks to tie together its various channel programmes, following its recent exhaustive acquisitions.
Grey added that EMC will guide its channel partners on lead development with discounts of up to 50 per cent on NetWorker and Retrospect.
Jeanne Razzell, managing director of VAR Systems Support, echoed Grey's comments. "Retrospect offers lots of new features that make things easier for the reseller. For example, it's now easy to make a copy of an SME's data and take it offsite.
"For resellers, it also allows you to know your customer well, allowing you to offer bigger and better products."