SGI reloads for European assault

Vendor outlines plans to take on Europe with integrated portfolio

Rod Evans: SGI is looking to get a bigger slice of the European market

Storage vendor SGI is reaching out to disillusioned Sun partners to fulfil its European growth ambitions.

The SGI brand was launched in April 2009, following a merger between server and storage vendor Rackable Systems and high-performance computing specialist Silicon Graphics.

Following a period of product integration and partner recruitment, the company is now focusing on building its profile in the UK and the rest of Europe.

Rod Evans, SGI’s managing director for Northern Europe, said: “The integration has gone well. We have good products in place, some quality partners and are looking to grab a larger slice of the European market.”

To achieve its goal, SGI is positioning itself as a purveyor of virtualisation building blocks that partners can use to generate revenue by offering additional services.

Evans said the firm’s products would also suit those who have previously relied on Sun Microsystems to fulfil their storage needs.

He said: “The Sun partner channel is in disarray at the moment, because of the uncertainty over the merger with Oracle. Our products are a viable alternative.”

The firm recently signed a UK-wide distribution deal with Zycko, which will aid its European growth plans.

David Galton-Fenzi, group sales director at Zycko, said: “We will start by building up its reputation in the UK and then, as appropriate, start to roll out its products to our other offices across the continent.”

Clive Longbottom, service director at analyst Quocirca, said Zycko’s support will be invaluable in ensuring SGI’s success.

He added: “A large proportion of the channel will not have dealt with SGI in its current form and will need help in understanding its distinct value propositions.”