Quantum Corp. (NYSE:DSS), a global leader in data protection, announced it will roll out on Oct. 13 Quantum Marketplace, a new online storage systems purchasing tool. Quantum Marketplace will put product selection, configuration, pricing and ordering information of even the most sophisticated tape library or disk-based backup and recovery systems at the fingertips of system integrators, solution providers, resellers and distributors. Quantum Marketplace covers Quantum’s full line of autoloaders, tape libraries and disk-based enhanced backup systems. It is equipped to accept orders for the new “MAKO” PX720 enterprise tape library announced today (please reference the press release also dated Sept. 29, 2003, “New Quantum “MAKO” Redefines Enterprise Tape Automation With System Designed To Increase Reliability And Minimize Customer Costs”) and the Quantum DX100 enhanced backup system when it begins shipping this fall. Quantum Marketplace is designed to save channel partners money by minimizing the time needed for configuration and pricing, while ensuring complete accuracy in their proposals for customers.

“To our partners, time is money. In the most efficient way possible, they need to configure a solution that is designed to address the unique technology environments and data protection requirements of their customers,” said Rob Pickell, vice president of worldwide marketing for Quantum’s Storage Solutions Group. “Quantum Marketplace guides users through the configuration options to help them put together the best system for their customers. Because of the timely configuration, pricing and ordering process, our sales partners can be confident that they are delivering a custom-designed system that will have all the necessary and compatible components at the correct price.”

The online tool was built and beta tested using the input of key channel partners.

“Quantum Marketplace makes it so easy to provide a quote, while at the same time giving me confidence that I have included everything required to meet my customers unique needs,” said Dave Theodore, business development manager for Bell Microproducts. “Quoting an enterprise solution can be intimidating because you might leave out an expensive part and then have to go back to the customer with the bad news. This tool eliminates that problem. My customers are going to love it.”

Quantum Marketplace has been in development for the past year and is one of the many steps Quantum has taken to make itself the easiest data storage vendor for system integrators, solution providers, resellers and distributors to engage. Quantum Academy, the company’s award-winning sales partner program includes a comprehensive Web portal that serves as an information and assistance resource for these partners. Building on its success, Quantum Marketplace takes the online experience and value to a new level, helping them avoid mismatched configuration choices and pricing errors that can delay or eliminate deals in progress. The system incorporates Library Chooser, a sophisticated product comparison and selection capability created to help resellers assess a customer’s backup environment and data protection needs.

Quantum Marketplace also integrates its popular Opportunity Identification Program (OIP) to provide resellers with deal registration and additional discounts. It also reminds sales partners about related selling opportunities, such as media, through automatic prompts during the configuration process.

Quantum Marketplace will be rolled out worldwide and further enhancements added to increase its functionality in the coming months.