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BELL, DataCore ENTER DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT FOR SANmelody

DataCore, an independent software vendor specializing in storage control, management and consolidation, announced that the company has agreed to team with Bell Microproducts to market and sell disk server kits based on the DataCore SANmelody software. Through this arrangement, system integrators (SIs) and value-added resellers (VARs) have access to comprehensive packages of hardware and software components from which to tailor affordable iSCSI/LAN and Fibre Channel SAN end-user storage solutions.

In contrast to traditional storage subsystems that provide little room for SI or VAR differentiation, Bell Microproducts' customers can fully customize Powered by DataCore disk servers to match the requirements and equipment preferences of their end-users. Selectable items include the base hardware platform, host-bus adapters, network interface cards, disk drives and disk enclosures. "White-box" as well as branded components form the building blocks for very cost-effective iSCSI/ LAN storage expansion. Alternatively, they may choose suitable kits for adding high-end Fibre Channel SAN capacity. The necessary storage control intelligence and administrative interface in either case come with the SANmelody software.

Bharat Kumar, vice president of marketing at DataCore, pointed out that "the menu of potential hardware configurations available through Bell Micro gives the SI or VAR ultimate freedom when crafting the best fit for the end-user."

"The addition of DataCore's IP SAN solutions and Fibre Channel disk server software to Bell Microproducts' portfolio of storage offerings is a boost to our customers, and particularly those selling into the SMB market. The variety and flexibility to create differentiated 'disk server' solutions ensures each can take a very customized approach at the lowest possible cost," added Phil Roussey, executive vice president of enterprise marketing at Bell Microproducts.