On September 30, Sirius learned that it was the first IBM solution provider to achieve the IBM System Storage Specialty, based on a combination of sales and technical certifications, client references, and annual IBM System Storage revenue.

Being approved for the IBM System Storage Specialty makes Sirius eligible for a variety of benefits that will enhance the services that the company can provide to its clients. Those benefits include enhanced access to IBM’s team of Client Technical Specialists, exclusive IBM Storage Specialty education, priority access to IBM’s Business Partner TechLine support, and additional access to IBM System Storage products for use in sales demonstrations, proofs-of-concept, in-house education and training, and more.

“This Specialty is actually going to give Sirius improved access to IBM System Storage resources, specialized training, and products,” said Phil Sauvageau, chief technology officer at Sirius. “Taken together, all of these benefits are going to make Sirius an even stronger partner for our clients’ infrastructure solutions.” “IBM System Storage is an essential element of our strategy for providing best-of-breed infrastructure optimization solutions to our clients,” said Joe Mertens, president and CEO of Sirius. “Being approved for this Storage Specialty is gratifying for us, but ultimately the value of these Specialties – individually and taken together – is demonstrated to our clients every time we recommend, implement or support an IT solution that spans the most critical components of the data center.”

In June, Sirius became the first IBM solution provider to achieve the IBM Cloud Computing Specialty, based on the company’s deep infrastructure and cloud solution skills. The Cloud Specialty requires that partners show proof of capabilities in cloud interfaces, automation, virtualization and metering technologies.

Over the past three years, Sirius has committed considerable resources to developing and refining what the company calls the physical to virtual to cloud (P-V-C) Journey. According to Mertens, “Sirius recognizes that our clients are investing in the virtualization of the entire data center – servers, storage, desktops and networks. Our dedicated consultants can help clients evaluate where they are on that virtualization journey, helping to create a roadmap that will help them reach their short-, mid- and long-term goals for implementing a coherent, cost-effective cloud strategy.”

Sirius has conducted hundreds of virtualization briefings with companies of all sizes. The briefings, held at client locations or in one of Sirius’ Technology Enablement Centers (TECs), are facilitated by Sirius Solution Architects and Specialists in collaboration with experts from IBM.

Contact your Sirius client executive for more information about IBM System Storage solutions, or about scheduling a Sirius Cloud Briefing.