Dot Hill Systems Extends Availability of Its AssuredSAN(TM) Storage Portfolio and Award-winning Channel Program to the D-A-CH Region Through a Distribution Agreement With Avnet Technology Solutions, Open Storage Group.

LONGMONT, Colo., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Dot Hill Systems Corp. (Nasdaq: HILL), a provider of world-class storage solutions and software for open storage partners, system integrators and OEMs, today expanded availability throughout the D-A-CH (German-speaking Europe) region of its award-winning channel program and next-generation AssuredSAN™ disk-to-disk data protection appliances targeted at small-to-medium businesses (SMBs).

The Dot Hill AssuredSAN 3000 Series, based on the company's new 3000 storage platform announced in February, will be available through Avnet Technology Solutions, Open Storage Group who serve the D-A-CH region with a comprehensive range of 'best-in-class' data storage solutions for the IT channel. By including robust volume copy, snapshot and remote replication as standard in the AssuredSAN 3000 Series, Dot Hill makes affordable, comprehensive disaster recovery solutions available to the entry level space through its growing base of channel partners.

"After working with Dot Hill for several years on a project-by-project basis, we are very pleased to raise our partnership to a new level," stated Werner Habicht, Business Manager SAN & Storage at distributor Avnet Technology Solutions GmbH. "With the new channel strategy of Dot Hill we are able to provide our customers with robust, scalable storage solutions which have proven quality through the acceptance of several major OEMs in the last couple of years. In addition, Dot Hill has established a first class service structure to help integrators and VARs to install solutions in mission-critical environments at peace of mind."

Avnet began its European relationship with Dot Hill Systems in January 2009 through a distribution agreement which focused on supplying mid-market systems integrators with a robust platform of networked RAID solutions to address key vertical markets. With the introduction of Dot Hill's new AssuredSAN 3000 Series and a structured channel program, Avnet now has a comprehensive storage and disaster recovery platform to address its growing IT channel throughout the D-A-CH region.

Warren Reid, director of marketing, Dot Hill Systems EMEA, commented, "Avnet has a proven track record in developing channels with very strong coverage in Europe, we are very confident that the AssuredSAN 3000 series will offer a significant competitive advantage to their partner base by delivering enterprise class disaster recovery solutions to the entry storage market."

The AssuredSAN 3000 Series bolsters the award-winning Dot Hill Partner Program by arming Dot Hill channel partners with a broad portfolio of storage solutions, extended warranties and professional services opportunities. Dot Hill provides extensive resources, tools and support to enable channel partners' success, including lead generation, marketing assistance, opportunity registration discounts, and in-field sales support.  Backed by a three-year warranty, Dot Hill AssuredSAN 3000 Series storage systems are available in a wide variety of configurations including AssuredSAN "R" models with AssuredRemote, AssuredSnap and AssuredCopy; AssuredSAN "S" models with AssuredSnap and AssuredCopy; and AssuredSAN "C" base models with free 60-day trial access to data protection software.

About Avnet Technology Solutions

Avnet Technology Solutions is an operating group of Phoenix-based Avnet, Inc. As a global technology sales and marketing organization, Avnet Technology Solutions has sales divisions focused on specific customer segments and a select line card strategy enabling an exceptional level of attention to the needs of its customers and suppliers. For fiscal year 2009, the group served customers in more than 30 countries and generated US $7.04 billion in annual revenue. Visit: www.ts.avnet.com/emea/

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology in the world. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 100,000 customers and providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 27, 2009, Avnet generated revenue of $16.23 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.

About Dot Hill

Delivering innovative technology and global support, Dot Hill empowers OEMs and resellers to bring unique storage solutions to market, quickly, easily and cost-effectively. Offering high performance and industry-leading uptime, Dot Hill's RAID technology is the foundation for best-in-class storage solutions offering enterprise-class security, availability and data protection. The company's products are in use today by the world's leading service and equipment providers, common carriers, advanced technology and telecommunications companies as well as government agencies. Dot Hill solutions are certified to meet rigorous industry standards and military specifications, as well as RoHS and WEEE international environmental standards. Headquartered in Longmont, Colo., Dot Hill has offices and/or representatives in China, Germany, Israel, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States.

For more information, visit us at www.dothill.com.

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Certain statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical fact are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding: the size and timing of orders for Dot Hill's new AssuredSAN 3000 Series products; the continued relationship with Avnet; any improvement in Dot Hill's financial results due to its relationship with Avnet; the continued availability of the new products; and the performance or benefits of the AssuredSAN 3000 Series in particular environments. The risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: the fact that the agreement with Avnet allows for termination in various circumstances; that the agreement does not provide for mandatory minimum purchase amounts; that the AssuredSAN 3000 is new to the D-A-CH region; that series is new and therefore Dot Hill has limited experience with it both technologically and with respect to market acceptance; changing customer preferences in the open systems computing market; and unforeseen supply, technological, intellectual property or engineering issues. However, there are many other risks not listed here that may affect the future business of Dot Hill, as well as the forward-looking statements contained herein. To learn about such risks and uncertainties, you should read the risk factors set forth in the company's public filings with the SEC, including the Forms 8-K, 10-K and 10-Q most recently filed by Dot Hill. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Dot Hill undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.  

SOURCE Dot Hill Systems Corp.