FEATURED ARTICLE

Storage 101: Things to Know Before You Buy a Storage Solution

Part II
Last month in this newsletter we talked about understanding your company’s needs, identifying current problems, being aware of your corporate environment, and other aspects of upgrading your data storage solution. These things all provide a great head start in shopping for data storage, but to paraphrase Paul Harvey, that’s not the whole story. The ‘Rest of the Story’ – including choosing warranties and budgeting effectively – is the focus of this month’s feature article.

1. How is your company’s data storage managed?
   Do you have an IT department, a network administrator, or a receptionist who changes the back-up tapes each night? What level of skill, training and experience does the person have who is in charge of your company’s storage solution? Answering these questions will ensure you choose a solution that your office will be able to run effectively, easily, and properly.
   
   
2. Is expansion in your company’s near future? If your business is adding a branch office or is expecting significant growth in an area such as customer base or revenue, your data storage needs will naturally grow, too. While few things in life are definite, if your firm plans on any kind of significant growth in the next two years it is essential the storage solution you purchase can grow with you. After all, you wouldn’t move into a one-bedroom apartment if you’re planning to start a family, would you?
   
   
3. What type of warranty do you need? Once you choose a storage solution, don’t forget to protect your investment. Warranties can typically be for anywhere from one to five years, and may include a myriad of services, such as on-site maintenance, 24-hour support, and free shipping for replacement parts. Good warranty coverage is generally a small percentage of the overall cost of the storage solution, and is always well worth it.
   
   
4. Finally, there is budgeting. While a good solution can be expensive up front, it saves the average business considerable money later on by preventing lost records and wasted man-hours, not to mention minimizing the costs of maintenance and repairs. This is a purchase worth spending the money on, but the good news is it really doesn’t have to break the bank. A number of payment plans are available out there, even for small offices or start-ups. Make your budget allowance known to your salesperson during the first call, and they will guide you toward a solution that is both effective and affordable.

Purchasing the right data storage solution is a step-by-step process, but it doesn’t need to be a daunting one. If you follow the tips we’ve discussed here, you can relax knowing the storage solution you buy will do the job for which you bought it.

NEWS ON SUPPORT & SERVICES

What's your System Serial Number?
What is your name? May I have your System Serial Number?
Support will always ask, and often, an incorrect number is submitted which is actually not your System Serial Number, but rather some other number scheme used for some other purpose. Knowing the System Serial Number is vital for support to provide quick and accurate service. The number can be found either on the top right of your system or in the management interface and is always in the format of “1AB-12345”. Of course, we’ll always help you find the actual system serial number if you’re having trouble, but now you have a heads up as to what exactly were looking for when we ask. Have a great day!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sept. 13th Thursday
"SAN Solution Lunch and Learn Seminar with Marc Farley "
Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm (Limited seating available)
Location: Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center See Map
5410 LBJ Frwy, Dallas, TX 75240 Phone: (972) 701-5143

The Speaker Marc Farley
Marc Farley is well-known throughout the network storage industry as the author of the popular book, Building Storage Networks, published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill. Mr. Farley is respected for his objective, vendor-independent, in-depth analysis of storage technologies. He regularly speaks at industry conferences and events and participates in on-line seminars and discussions. Marc has more than 13 years experience in network storage, including working on data management, storage routers, disk subsystems, file-level virtualization, and storage switches. He holds a BS in Physics from the University of Washington.

Oct. 11th Thursday
Lunch and Learn "Disaster Recovery Seminar "
Location: Dallas, TX

Nov. 8th Thursday
Lunch and Learn "VMware Seminar "
Location: Dallas, TX

FEATURED PRODUCT

SecurStor Astra ES
The ASTRA ES gives you built in intelligence, flexibility, high availability and modular design.
This cost effective solution is equipped with SAS/SATA drives and enables you to mix and match both SAS/SATA drives within the 2U 12-Bay header and/or add a 12-Bay JBOD for additional storage.

Features and Benefits:
·   Mix and match drives in RAID header or JBOD enclosure     (SAS for performance and SATA for capacity)
·   Choose from 4GB Fibre Channel (Single or Dual      Controllers), or 3GB SAS (Single or Dual Controllers)       host connectivity
·   Every component is scalable/replaceable in the field
·   Standard 5 Year Warranty
·   Scalable up to 45TB per instance

For more detail: http://www.emdstorage.com/products/das_astra_es/

Don't forget to stop by our website to check our Feature Products and Monthly Special.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS

"Just love to deal with Excel Meridian - best service I ever seen!" - Andris Bune, ATTC

"Your technical support and response time has been one of the best I have ever seen." - Gordon Shankman, Northrop Grumman

Positive Attitude:
"The reward of a thing well done is to have done it."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tech Thought of The Day:
"Service is what life is all about." - Marian Wright Edelman