Releases

posted on 08 April 2008 16:09

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pillar Data Systems, the leading provider of Application-Aware storage systems, today announced the launch of its Emerald Partner Program, designed to help partners deliver competitive storage solutions to customers looking for scalable and efficient systems.

Partners who join the Emerald Partner Program will benefit from enhanced margins, greater deal protection and better Professional Services enablement with Pillar. Recently recognized by VARBusiness as a 5-Star Partner Program winner, Pillar makes it easy for partners to deliver the Pillar Axiom, which seamlessly accommodates SAN, NAS or both, with complete access to the same storage pool.

As part of this worldwide initiative, several Pillar partners such as NASI, AccessFlow Inc., and Abacus recently have been elevated to the Emerald Partner Program. In order to participate, partners must meet specific requirements. Sales and technical staff must hold Pillar accreditation, contribute to marketing programs and quarterly reviews, and maintain marketing collateral on their individual web sites to maintain their partner status.

Pillar Emerald Partners will enjoy enhanced financial and account control benefits, as wells as an additional 10 margin points above the standard discounts on registered deals.

“We are committed to delivering quality Application-Aware storage solutions while providing the best customer service possible,” said Patrick Hiller, CEO of Abacus Solutions. “As part of our core business value, we only work with the finest providers in the business. Pillar gives us that extra edge, while providing us with added peace of mind that we garner better deal protection and enhanced margins.”

“During the last year, we have seen massive growth and a steady increase in the revenue contributions of our worldwide channel partners,” said Dave Zimmer, VP worldwide channel sales, Pillar Data Systems. “We realize that our channel partners are integral to our ongoing growth and success. Today’s announcement demonstrates our partner commitment by offering a new level of service that arms them with better sales and marketing coverage, and the opportunity to participate in Pillar’s Advisory Council.”

Pillar remains focused on architecting quality storage solutions while providing partners and resellers the tools and support needed for ongoing success. As the only company to deliver true Application-Aware storage services, partners are able to deliver unparalleled total cost of ownership (TCO) and lower customers’ energy costs by at least 50 percent.

“Working with Pillar has allowed more opportunities for our success,” said Steve Kaplan, President and co-founder, AccessFlow Inc. “Our growth in recent months can be attributed to partnering with Pillar, as well as developing a deep knowledge of their storage solution and in turn, watching how the Axiom can benefit our customers.”

Pillar has recently received several channel accolades including CMP’s Channel Chiefs, which named Zimmer to its list. In addition, the VARBusiness Annual Partner Program Guide recently recognized Pillar as one of its 5-Star Gold Star winners, and Computer Dealer News, named Pillar one of the Hot Companies to Watch for 2008.

For more information on Pillar’s Channel Program, please turn to: http://www.pillardata.com/partners/channel/.

About Pillar Data Systems

Founded in 2001, Pillar Data Systems develops Application-aware Storage systems for midsize and enterprise organizations. With the highest utilization rates in the storage industry, the Pillar Axiom solution is the most efficient storage system on the market today. The Pillar Axiom cuts administrative time and total cost of ownership by more than 50 percent as well as provides the only storage system that can differentiate services based on application priority. Designed from the ground up as the only true Application-aware Storage system, the Pillar Axiom allows users to match multiple application characteristics to the appropriate service levels within a single storage platform. Pillar Data Systems is privately funded by Tako Ventures, LLC, the venture arm of Larry Ellison. The company is headquartered at 2840 Junction Avenue, San Jose, California 95134. The company can be reached on the Web at http://www.pillardata.com, by phone at 408-503-4000 or by email at sales@pillardata.com.

^{[Formatted by Paul Warren.]}