Storage Expo review--data storage takes the spotlight.

Storage Expo 2007 in London was a barometer of the latest developments in data storage, where hot topics taking the stage at the show included consolidation, business continuity, Green IT, virtualisation, compliance and managing information. There were 4,390 unique visitors (pre ABC audit figures) to the event where 147 exhibitors had gathered to spotlight their latest solutions and technology.

Nigel Ghent, Marketing Director, [EMC.sup.2] Corporation, said "Storage Expo 2007 again tapped into the priority issues around not just the world of storage, but the wider world of managing business information, providing the ideal format for businesses to meet the industry's key players." "The [Storage Expo] show has been great this year, from our location to the high volume of visitors. We have had the same amount of visitors in one day as we did in the two days last year. It has also been great to make some great contacts with other companies who are exhibiting at the show.", commented Steven Watson, StorageWorks Marketing Manager--Hewlett Packard "Storage Expo UK 2007 proved to be an excellent opportunity to develop business opportunities and further build Isilon awareness", said Philip Crocker, Director of EMEA Marketing, Isilon Systems The show has become the European launch pad for demonstrating new technology with the majority of exhibitors showcasing their latest storage solutions to customers and partners who had come to the show with requirements ready to be met.

Frederic Renard from Arkeia Software said, "We recently launched a new innovative back up appliance and the show has been a brilliant platform for us."

"Storage Expo is truly positioned as the leading data storage event in the UK", commented Claire Sellick, Event Director for Storage Expo, "it is now the largest dedicated storage exhibition in Europe with 2,500 metres of exhibition space. From speaking to both visitors and exhibitors it is clear that people who come to the show have a clear idea of what their organisations current business requirements are and use the show to compare and source the best solutions that are compatible with their IT Strategy and IT infrastructure. The mix of technology, solutions and services on offer at the show combined with an outstanding education programme has enabled visitors to discover how to resolve their data storage issues at one event. "The education programme proved to be extremely popular with most presentations packed to capacity with visitors eager to learn from renowned experts who covered both business and technical issues.

Jon Collins--Freeform Dynamics Analyst and speaker commented, "Presenting at Storage Expo is good because it means we can engage with the people at the front line of technology deployment and understand better the challenges they face and debate how best to address the issues."

The Deal or No Deal at Storage Expo was once again a great success with seven of the most exciting vendors pitching products to a panel of leading buyers and experts who form the toughest challenge in Data Storage. The Panel chaired by Ray Stanton, Global Head of Business Continuity, Security and Governance, BT with David Lipsey, IS services and Infrastructure Manager, Ordnance Survey; Tony Lock, Programme Director, Freeform Dynamics; and Chris Smart, Partner, Acacia Capital Partners; are some of the best judges of data storage solutions, and a tough panel to impress. Acronis won, as the panel felt that they provide innovative and considerable benefits for data storage.

Storage Expo 2008 takes place on the 15th and 16th October 2008 at the National Hall, Olympia, London, UK. For more information please visit www.storage-expo.com