On the other hand, if its an IP storage switch supporting gigabit
Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SCSI interfaces that youre after, its Nishan Systems
Inc. you want.
Actually, its not really Nishans technology that wins it the No. 4 place
on this list and sets it apart from the IP SAN hoi polloi (there are, after
all, many startup companies now vying for a slice of this lucrative
market). Rather, its the fact that, unlike its competitors, Nishan has
already landed a doozy of a contract with IBM Global Services (see
Nishan Systems Inks IBM Deal).
Thats quite a coup. IBM Global Services is making a big push into the
outsourced storage services market (as is its arch-rival, AT&T Solutions).
Nishans reseller agreement could let it ride IBMs coat tails all the way
to the bank.
The contract is especially notable given that Big Blues other
reseller gigs are with mondo public companies like Brocade Communications Systems
Inc. (Nasdaq: BRCD), Compaq
Computer Corp. (NYSE: CPQ), and McData Corp. (Nasdaq: MCDT).
Nishan is a minnow in comparison.
Little wonder then, that at a jointly
held IBM/Nishan meeting recently to announce the deal, Nishans president
and CEO Aamer Latif had the look of a man whos just found the winning
lotto ticket in his pocket.
