CitiStreet Enhances Data Recovery Capabilities with Remote Replication; Solution Helps Protect Sensitive Customer Data

CHANHASSEN, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 12, 2006–Datalink (Nasdaq:DTLK), an independent information storage architect, today announced that CitiStreet selected Datalink to design, deploy and implement a disk-based storage, backup and replication system. The solution provides CitiStreet with online replication of data, thereby protecting its customers from the threat of data theft or loss. It also ensures the organization has seamless access to data if a disaster occurs.
Overseeing health and retirement plans, CitiStreet operates in a very highly regulated environment and works with data that contains extremely sensitive information about health and benefit plan participants. CitiStreet wanted to avoid sending duplicate copies of this data off site for disaster recovery because of the inherent risk that the media could be lost or stolen.

CitiStreet turned to Datalink to architect a solution that would provide replication from its primary location to its disaster recovery location as well as non-alterable storage capabilities. The organization was also hoping to capitalize on management efficiencies and cost savings in the process. Datalink, in turn, offered CitiStreet insight about the key technologies that would help the company achieve its goal. “We expressed a generic business need and then Datalink suggested the appropriate solution for us. They provided an unbiased recommendation about the best technology for this environment,” said Jeff Machols, systems integration manager for CitiStreet. “Having them use their expertise to do the design and implementation freed up our IT staff to work on mission critical projects,” he added.

Datalink implemented a system built around Network Appliance(R) hardware and software technologies. “From a business standpoint, the enhanced security of our data has been first and foremost the primary advantage,” Machols said. Beyond that, the organization is now able to meet much more stringent timelines for data backup and recovery and they’ve reduced the amount of storage required by 50 percent. “We’ve also been able to simplify our processes by consolidating functions into one device,” Machols said.

“CitiStreet is subject to many federal regulations, such as keeping specific data on non-alterable storage. Beyond that, it would be catastrophic for them if they were to lose any of their customer data,” said Datalink President & CEO Charlie Westling. “With this solution, they have built a foundation that provides compliance with federal mandates and ensures sensitive information will not be lost. Their customers can be assured that CitiStreet has taken the necessary steps to provide a very high level of data protection.”

ABOUT DATALINK

Datalink is an information storage architect. The company analyzes, designs, implements, and supports information storage infrastructures that store, protect, and provide continuous access to information. Datalink’s specialized capabilities and solutions span storage area networks, network-attached storage, direct-attached storage, and IP-based storage, using industry-leading hardware, software, and technical services. For more information about Datalink services, contact Datalink at (800) 448-6314, or visit Datalink online at www.datalink.com.

ABOUT CITISTREET

CitiStreet is a premier global employee benefits provider. The organization offers a broad range of products and services for contribution, benefit and health and welfare plans. CitiStreet services more than 17,000 plans and 11 million participants across all markets. It is the second largest defined contribution provider by the number of participants it serves and the third largest by assets under administration.
Contact:
Datalink Corporation
Connie O’Brien, 800-448-6314
cobrien@datalink.com