Exacent is using Hitachi Data Systems' USP V. The INI Group interviewed David Shepherd, general manager and co-founder. This is how David describes his role:

“I’m the general manager and co-founder.  I’ve been with the company since inception.  My role is primarily focused on sales and operations.  I do have some storage responsibilities, not necessarily the technical side but more strategic and purchasing decisions along which products and services we’re going to go with on the storage side.”

The following is an overview of Exacent’s IT environment:

• VMware server virtualization technology with the Hitachi USP V back-ending
• Storage in excess of twenty terabytes
• Exacent provides Enterprise-class infrastructure for small, medium and large businesses

Listen to individual answers by clicking on the following questions:

1. Why did you decide to implement the Hitachi Data Systems Universal Storage Platform – also know as the USP V?
2. What was the process that you went through to decide on which storage system to go with?
3. Can you give us examples of how the Hitachi USP V provided real value to your company?
4. How has the Hitachi USP V has improved on the overall economic effectiveness within your IT operations?
5. Are there any insights that you can share with us on the USP V that would be useful for other IT professionals considering this solution?
6. Some IT professionals are skeptical about external storage virtualization. What made you decide to implement it?
   
7. What are the next steps using the Hitachi USP V?
8. Would you recommend the Hitachi USP V to other IT professionals and can you tell us why?

For more information on Hitachi Data Systems, go to www.hds.com