LaCie joins with Xyratex to offer comprehensive enterprise storage systems

Xyratex Ltd., a provider of enterprise class data storage subsystems and storage process technology, together with LaCie, a provider of professional storage solutions, announced Tuesday a new partnership designed to deliver storage systems for video professionals.

Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is a manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals manage their digital lives.

Xyratex designs and manufactures enabling technology that provides OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and disk drive manufacturer customers with data storage products to support high-performance storage and data communication networks. Founded in 1994 in an MBO from IBM, and with headquarters in the UK, Xyratex has an established global base with R&D (research and development) and operational facilities in Europe, the United States and South East Asia.

"Xyratex's superior technology and geographic proximity made them an obvious choice to develop top-of-the-line enterprise storage solutions," said Philippe Spruch, CEO of LaCie. "This combination of close collaboration and collective experience will enable us to provide versatile high-performance storage solutions."

Xyratex's knowledge and in-house development have enabled product quality and reputation. Each storage system goes through extensive testing, and is run through an unparalleled quality assurance process.The new partnership will leverage the proven storage systems and build a comprehensive, customizable and fully-supported product portfolio that will offer reliable customer support, as well as a qualified worldwide distribution channel.

"Xyratex is excited to add LaCie as an OEM partner that mirrors the same long-term history of professional storage systems," said Todd Gresham, senior vice president, networked storage solutions, Xyratex. "We look forward to working closely with LaCie to meet their expanded customer requirements and growth within the video and web markets."