EMC unveils refresh for platform range
But resellers still worried about relationship with Dell
EMC is set to announce a complete refresh of its entire platform range today, but resellers are still worrying about its relationship with direct vendor Dell.
The refresh includes the company's high-end Symetrix DMX, Centera, Celerra and lower-end Clariion CX range.
The Clariion range, which EMC sells both direct and through the channel, will be branded CX300, CX500 and CX700, and will replace the existing CX200, CX400 and CX600 systems, said Nigel Ghent, marketing director UK at EMC.
"There have been some software tweaks as well, but this is mostly about a full-tiered network storage platform upgrade," he said.
"For resellers the best thing is that we have almost doubled the capacity of the CX range but the price is not much more."
Clariion sales have been split evenly between direct sales, indirect channels and Dell. But direct sales are outpacing those in the channel, EMC said in its most recent financial report. Dell shipped over $1bn in external storage last year.
Roger Smith, managing director of VAR Solid State Solutions, said: "It's about time for a refresh of the high-end kit, because it's getting a bit long in the tooth."
He added that the VAR does come up against Dell. "It is very aggressive and we are always wary of it," he said.
Simon Welch, group marketing manager at distributor Clarity, said Dell's success would not last. "Dell has no software strategy," he said. "In the medium term there will be a complete transformation in the way purchases are made, because firms want a complete solution."
But IDC research shows Dell's 68 per cent sales growth outpaces that of major disk storage vendors in the third quarter of 2003.
Steve Lewis, director of enterprise at Dell UK, said: "All competitors are making improvements to their products but the modular architecture makes sure we retain our customers' investment for them."
Highlights