NCS is first regional value-added systems integrator to deploy EMC's Enterprise Storage Assessment methodology

EMC Corporation, the world leader in information storage, today announced that it has partnered with Singapore-based National Computer Systems (NCS) to deliver.

E-infostructure, the mission critical storage infrastructure, to companies in the South Asia region. NCS, a regional IT service provider and e-enabler, is the first Value-Added Systems Integrator (VASI) in South Asia selected by EMC to be certified on EMC's Enterprise Storage AssessmentTM methodology. This will enable NCS to conduct complex storage infrastructure studies, design and implementation techniques for organisations that require it.

This is a significant business development for EMC and NCS as in the last few years, storage has gained prominence as a critical infrastructure in an organisation, overtaking the importance of servers. Dataquest estimates that by 2002, storage will be 80% of a company's hardware spend.

Mr. Lau Soon Liang, Assistant Chief Executive, NCS said, "As more Asian companies engage in B2B e-commerce, they require even higher levels of availability for their mission-critical data. Building on EMC's information storage expertise is a significant step in our continuing endeavour to deliver the best of breed technologies to meet our customers' needs. EMC's endorsement of NCS to provide ESA methodology, hardware and software solutions for storing, managing and protecting our customers' mission-critical information will certainly enhance our service offering, and strengthen our position as the leading IT service provider and e-enabler in the region."

Mr. Paul Rath, General Manager, EMC South Asia: "Storage infrastructures have become more complex than ever, as companies small and large, deploy powerful applications that require mission critical systems. Their information requirements will grow as the organisation's business grows. It is critical that system integrators such as NCS are equipped with the best practice knowledge to ensure that information is managed, shared and protected to meet a company's business goals. The combination of EMC's storage technology, and NCS' systems integration solutions will be a powerful solution to companies looking for e-business success."

NCS will implement EMC's wide range of intelligent enterprise storage systems including Symmetrix and CLARiiON, storage management software, networks and services across any computing platform and operating system. When integrated into a highly robust and available information storage infrastructure, these components make up the E-Infostructure or Enterprise Storage Networks (comprising Storage Area Networks and Networked Attached Storage) which is an infrastructure that virtually eliminates the need for planned and unplanned downtime.

NCS is also the first regional VASI to deploy the EMC Enterprise Storage Assessment TM (ESA) in the South Asia region. The ESA is a consultative practice that is focused on achieving integration between an organisation's strategic business objectives and IT solution. It provides a critical examination of an organisation's information infrastructure processes and procedures, the organisation, and the existing technology. Based on the results of the examination, the assessment will determine the business, financial, and operational benefits of infrastructure alignment.

Mr. Rath, EMC added, "NCS has earned an impressive track record as a leading regional system integrator. Their understanding of complex IT infrastructures and leadership position in e-commerce has driven EMC to see them as a natural partner. EMC's future growth in the region will rely on our strong partnerships with companies such as NCS which have in-depth skills and knowledge of what organisations in the region need to succeed in their business and technology initiatives."