May 19, 2010
Merit Network, Inc. and Data Strategy, Inc. (DSI) announced today that they have formed a partnership to market Merit’s new Merit Licensing – VMware Program, an initiative that will bring VMware solutions and services to Merit Members throughout Michigan. As Merit’s preferred vendor, Data Strategy will work with eligible organizations in higher education, K-12, libraries, governmental agencies and eligible medical-teaching health care institutions to determine their virtualization needs, assist with purchasing of VMware licenses, and provide professional services and training to eligible institutions at preferred member rates.
A regional leader in virtualization technology and VMware solutions, Data Strategy will offer its experience to these institutions to help them realize the benefits of virtualization. Among them: cost reductions in overall infrastructure architecture, including hardware and software. Reduced cost in ongoing maintenance, and environmental benefits, such as reduced energy consumption. In naming Data Strategy as its partner in the Program, Merit Networks recognizes Data Strategy’s extensive experience and leadership in virtualization technology. “We chose DSI to be our partner not only because of their expertise in this area, but because of their alignment with our values. Our members will be able to derive great benefit though our partnership with DSI in this increasingly important technology”, stated Donald Welch, president and CEO, Merit Network, Inc.
Data Strategy, Inc., (www.data-strategy.com) is a privately held company established in 2004 that provides comprehensive consulting services, assessments, and implementation of solutions and services to help companies meet their IT needs. Its clients include a number of healthcare, finance, and education organizations, whose unique requirements for privacy, security, and access are addressed through Data Strategy’s delivery of tailored solutions. Data Strategy’s unique level of expertise in virtualization technology is demonstrated through its participation in advanced VMware Lighthouse Programs, an invitation-only program for select partners who demonstrate advanced proficiency in VMware technology, configuration architecture, and lab environment implementation. Data Strategy is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with additional locations in Troy, Columbus and Chicago.
Gregg DeWitt, President of Data Strategy, comments “We are excited to bring our acquired knowledge as virtualization experts to the Merit community. Merit Members now have a unique opportunity to harness the revolutionary technology of VMware while driving productivity benefits and real cost savings. We are proud to be a Michigan company delivering value back to our communities.”
Merit Network will be presenting information about this program at the 2010 Merit Member Conference, May 26-27, 2010, at the Four Points Sheraton in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Data Strategy representatives will be available to address questions at the May 26 luncheon and reception.
About Merit Network
Merit Network Inc., is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its formation, Merit Network has remained at the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides high-performance networking and IT solutions to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations.
For more information: www.merit.edu
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