MSI Systems Integrators (MSI) has been selected by IBM to build and operate a Storage Area Network (SAN) Solution Center

[Omaha, Neb. - June 23, 2000] - MSI Systems Integrators has been selected by IBM to build and operate a Storage Area Network (SAN) Solution Center.

This is big news - because IBM selected only 50 of its top Business Partners worldwide to participate in this event.

Part of IBM's $400 million initiative to harness the explosive growth of data, the SAN Solution Centers are opening at the rate of five per week in 20 countries around the world. The centers expand IBM's network of locally available SAN expertise and complement IBM SAN testing facilities in the US, Germany, France and Japan.

"MSI is pleased to be recognized by IBM for our work in the enterprise storage arena by naming us to this elite group," said MSI President Bob Gentzler. "The huge growth of e-business data and costs associated with managing that data make storage area networks essential to any company striving to compete in today's new economy. This technology is one of the most important IT advancements since the emergence of network computing, and MSI will lead the way in providing SAN solutions throughout the Midwest."

A Storage Area Network is a high-speed network dedicated to information management. Technically, it is a combination of technologies including hardware, software and networking components that provides the foundation for a 'zero latency' computing environment - one with the ability to exchange information immediately. By separating information management from information processing, SANs alleviate the information buildup that can occur within a traditional technology system - a critical requirement for today's 24 x 365 computing environments.

The MSI SAN Solution Center provides the capability to test and demonstrate new hardware and software technologies so that businesses can better understand the benefits of linking storage products into networks. In addition to validating requirements for SAN storage solutions, MSI will use the facility to train its customers' staffs in regards to SAN technologies. All of this enables MSI customers to deploy SAN solutions that help them rapidly and effectively evolve as e-businesses.

For some time now, MSI has been providing its clients with SANs, having already developed its own version of a state-of-the-art SAN lab - and that initiative is one of the reasons IBM selected MSI to be one of its select SAN Solution Center partners. "We're already up and running with our SAN Solution Center," said Gentzler. "Because of IBM's support, however, we are investing in building a 'new and improved' SAN lab - complete with all the latest hardware and software technologies that will allow us to provide our customers with undeniably the very best in storage solution strategies."

The Grand Opening of the MSI SAN Solution Center will be on July 25. For more information about MSI grand opening events, please contact Nancy Bock at 402-965-2300.

About MSI Systems Integrators

MSI Systems Integrators helps companies make their businesses better by providing IT optimization, enterprise security, unified communications, business intelligence, business integration, business continuity, content management and open source solutions. A leading provider of hardware, software and services, MSI has deep technical skills and partners with technology leaders such as Symantec, HP, IBM, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, and VMware to provide world-class business solutions that help companies be more responsive, productive and resilient. MSI is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska with offices throughout the United States. For more information about MSI, please visit www.msiinet.com or call 800-640-4674, extension 2394.

For more information, press only:
Teresa Mardesen
MSI Systems Integrators
(800) 640-4674, x2394
tmardesen@msiinet.com

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