SONY ENHANCES RESELLER PROGRAM FOR STORSTATION LAPTOP DATA PROTECTION SYSTEM
Program Extends Product Availability;Free Installation Simplifies Data Protection Implementation
SAN JOSE, Calif., May 18, 2004 - Sony Electronics is further simplifying data backup and disaster recovery for mobile professionals and laptop users through an enhanced reseller program for its StorStation ® Laptop Data Protection (StorStation LDP) system.
Specifically designed to lower the business risks and costs associated with unprotected data, the Sony Laptop Data Protection Solution provides a simple and complete automated backup solution. The system is now available through Sony's distribution channel, which includes Ingram Micro, and is being sold to resellers and end-users from CDW Corporation.
To help businesses rapidly and cost-effectively enhance data protection for mobile professionals, laptop users and remote offices, Sony is providing free installation of the LDP solution thru the enhanced reseller program by qualified field technicians.
The StorStation LDP combines a Sony 1TB StorStation FSV-M5 specialty server with BrightStor ™ ARCserve Backup for Laptops and Desktops from Computer Associates International (CA).
The solution simplifies data protection tasks by automatically detecting Microsoft ® Windows ® systems and performing backup applications based on user-defined parameters, such as specific time schedules and data folders.
"Hardware failures and data outages are a fact of life for mobile professionals who depend on laptops to stay connected to the office, but don't have the luxury of a mobile IT department," said Steve Baker, vice president of storage solutions for Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Business Solutions Company. "Our enhanced reseller program for the StorStation LDP makes it easier for companies to quickly deploy a solid storage solution that improves data availability for mobile data while reducing IT costs. Although the StorStation LDP is designed for easy installation by an IT novice in a matter of 30 minutes or less, we are committed to our customers' success in quickly deploying the solution. Thus we are including free installation to the solution thru this reseller promotional program."
Under the promotional program, Sony will work closely with customers to provide smooth installation and deployment of the solution.
"Our focus with this program is on high-level customer satisfaction by providing a convenient solution that lowers the risk of customers having unprotected data lost," Baker added.
The advanced security and data encryption features integrated into the StorStation LDP system help safeguard sensitive user files at all times during the transmission, backup and disaster recovery processes. The system also includes CA eTrust ™ Antivirus software to help shield users from malicious code threats.
Data is backed up by the StorStation LDP's ability to automatically detect TCP/IP connectivity whenever workers log in to their company's network. If a backup is scheduled, the system retrieves the appropriate data from the connected computer and transmits the updated backup data set to the FSV-M5 server. The system's highly automated approach eliminates manual backup headaches while protecting the company from the loss of critical business data residing on mobile systems. The end result is uninterrupted productivity from mobile workers. If a laptop protected by the StorStation LDP system is damaged, lost or stolen, essential files can be quickly restored for business continuity.
StorStation LDP systems come with a variety of pre-defined backup templates that enable customers to immediately begin backing up critical data right out of the box. The templates include optional backup settings for My Documents, all Office documents, all Outlook files, Internet Explorer Favorites, Pocket PC files, and Pocket PC archives.
StorStation LDP can be scaled with additional Sony specialty servers and CA software licenses to support mobile workforces of virtually any size.
Sony will be displaying the StorStation Laptop Data Protection system at CA World in Las Vegas from May 24 to May 27.
The Sony StorStation Laptop Data Protection system is currently available through Sony authorized distributors, value-added resellers (VARs) and storage system integrators at an estimated price of around $8,600. For a limited time, Sony is also offering free installation (value of $500) for the system, as well as a three-year warranty and optional service and support enhancement programs.
Editors Note: A complete list of Sony approved distributors and resellers can be found at www.sony.com/packagesolutions. Additional press information and digital images are available on the Sony Electronics news and information web site at www.sony.com/news.
