Global electronics distributor transforms infrastructure with Hitachi EverFlex Consumption Services and Hitachi Vantara Virtual Storage Platform for greater performance and sustainability, aligning costs with dynamic business needs
DREIEICH, Germany and SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hitachi Vantara, the data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), today announced it has helped Bürklin Elektronik to consolidate its data storage platforms, simplify IT operations and improve costs dynamically with Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) and Hitachi EverFlex infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) portfolio.
2023 Logo (PRNewsfoto/Hitachi Vantara Corporation)
Bürklin Elektronik is a specialized distributor of high-quality and innovative electronic components from 500 leading manufacturers. Founded 70 years ago and based in Oberhaching near Munich, Germany, the company processes over 1,500 orders every day and guarantees its industrial customers, including suppliers of automation technology, IoT specialists and medical technology companies, the highest quality of service and fast delivery.
Bürklin Elektronik's previous storage infrastructure, which had grown over the years, was characterized by systems from different providers, which led to high complexity and rising costs. "Our data storage was fragmented, with different systems and contracts, incomplete documentation and inconsistent performance," explains Lars Fietkau, IT Coordinator at Bürklin Elektronik. "Our goal was to simplify and modernize our data storage, boost performance, increase capacity and improve overall sustainability while reducing costs. We wanted more flexibility to increase and decrease storage capacities as needed, to align our costs more closely with our long-term hybrid cloud strategy."
Solution: Flexible storage solution with Hitachi EverFlex IaaS After a thorough evaluation, Bürklin Elektronik opted for the Hitachi EverFlex, Infrastructure-as-a-Service services portfolio that offers maximum flexibility. The company implemented two Hitachi Vantara VSP arrays, complemented by Brocade G720 SAN switches for ultra-fast network connectivity. The infrastructure was distributed across two redundant data centers to maximize business continuity, while the VSP platform provides greater reliability and performance, including a 100% data availability guarantee. Thanks to careful planning and implementation by partner IS4IT GmbH, the migration was completed in three days - well ahead of schedule.
"With Hitachi EverFlex Consumption Services, we only pay monthly for the capacity we actually use," explains Fietkau. "This gives us the flexibility to dynamically adapt our storage requirements without having to make a high initial investment."
With the new storage solution, Bürklin Elektronik benefits from a long-term price guarantee that makes the service agreement financially attractive. The pay-per-use model has already saved the company six-figure investment costs. At the same time, the company was able to switch to an energy-efficient all-flash configuration and modernize its backup system. The current VSP Platform also allows Bürklin to reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 30-40% compared to previous models.
"Our backups are now faster and more reliable, which gives us more time for strategic tasks," says Fietkau.
Proactive support and sustainable partnership Hitachi Vantara's proactive support and the close cooperation with IS4IT GmbH enable Bürklin Elektronik to concentrate fully on its core activities. "The close partnership and continuous monitoring by Hitachi Vantara and IS4IT gives us peace of mind," adds Dennis Tullney, Strategic IT Manager at Bürklin Elektronik. "Availability is our top priority and Hitachi Vantara helps us to provide our customers with a seamless and reliable experience - a key competitive advantage in a dynamic market."
"In view of the continuing rapid growth in data volumes and new technologies such as AI, high-performance storage is becoming increasingly important. The cloud is one approach but is not suitable for all data for cost and data protection reasons. With our VSP Platform and EverFlex IaaS portfolio, we are working with our customers to bring a cloud-like approach to their own data centers," says Petra-Maria Grohs, Sales VP and Managing Director Germany, Hitachi Vantara. "With its revamped storage infrastructure, Bürklin Elektronik is now ideally equipped for all current and future requirements and can focus on further expanding its competitive advantage."
About Hitachi Vantara Hitachi Vantara is changing the way data drives innovation. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd, Hitachi Vantara provides the data foundation that innovation leaders around the world rely on. With data storage, infrastructure systems, cloud management and digital expertise, the company helps its customers lay the foundation for sustainable business growth. To learn more, visit www.hitachivantara.com.
About Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi is driving the social innovation business and creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve the challenges of customers and society with Lumada solutions that utilize IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates in three business areas "Digital Systems & Services" - supporting the digital transformation of our customers; "Green Energy & Mobility" - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and rail systems; and "Connective Industries" - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions for various industries. Driven by Digital, Green and Innovation, we strive for growth through co-development with our customers. The company's consolidated revenue for fiscal 2023 (ending March 31, 2024) was 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information about Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.
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