SAN JOSE and FREMONT, Calif., May 14, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bell Microproducts Inc. (Pink Sheets:BELM), one of the world's largest value-added distributors of storage and computing technology, and Flexstar Technology, the worldwide leading supplier of turnkey storage test systems for digital storage devices, announced today that they have reached an agreement whereby Bell Micro will distribute Flexstar's Desktop Series of test solutions to the Americas and EMEA.
As part of this new relationship, Bell Micro will distribute Flexstar's testing systems with a primary focus on small to mid-range industrial system manufacturers that use storage devices in their systems.
As the first non-captive supplier of storage test systems, Flexstar's products support the enhanced speed and capacity requirements of the newest generation of hard disk drives and solid state storage devices. Designed with an open architecture, the Flexstar platform addresses the market's need for the ability to test multiple interfaces with minimal set-up time. Flexstar's Desktop Series satisfies various testing needs including: simple test, performance test, failure analysis test, qualification reliability test, and video application test; and comes complete with "plug & play" software for all of these test suites and more.
"Flexstar has been providing the storage industry with standardized, repeatable, turnkey testing solutions for close to 30 years, and up until now have not engaged with a distribution partner," noted Anthony Lavia, Flexstar's president and CEO. "We chose to enter into the channel with Bell Micro due to the synergies between the two companies as we are both leaders in our respective fields - Bell Micro in storage and Flexstar in storage testing solutions."
"As a recognized expert in storage solutions, Bell Micro is always seeking to expand upon that reputation and serve as a one-stop shop for all storage solutions needs," noted Chuck Kostalnick, president of North American distribution for Bell Micro. "Testing solutions are a natural complement to storage, and by adding Flexstar systems we are able to offer our customer base a competitive advantage while improving quality and reliability. In fact, we know first hand that Flexstar's test solutions work - as we use them ourselves to pre-test products for specific customer engagements."
Flexstar storage test systems are in stock and available now through Bell Microproducts' distribution network. Please call 1-800-800-1513 for more information, or visit www.bellmicro.com.
About Flexstar Technology
Flexstar's mission is to provide storage manufacturers and their customers with standardized and repeatable testing and qualification processes. Since producing the industry's first commercially available disk drive tester in 1985, Flexstar has continued to be at the forefront of providing advanced, automated testing capabilities to the data storage industry, delivering over 350,000 test ports. Today at Flexstar we are developing a whole new "GREEN" product line that will be more energy efficient saving customers a great deal of money over the life of the products and will provide a new lower price per port.
Flexstar's product line covers ambient, burn-in, environmental, and altitude test equipment with advanced, but easy-to-use software. All industry standard interfaces and form factors are supported and modular design approach ensures products are field upgradeable providing flexibility and investment protection. All products are backed by a host of support offerings and Flexstar's uncompromising commitment to customer service.
For more information, please visit www.flexstar.com or email sales@flexstar.com
About Bell Microproducts Inc.
Bell Microproducts Inc. (Pink Sheets:BELM) is an international, value-added distributor of a wide range of high-tech products, solutions and services including, storage systems, servers, software, computer components, and peripherals, as well as maintenance and professional services. An industry-recognized specialist in storage products, the company is one of the world's largest storage-centric value-added distributors.
Bell Microproducts is uniquely qualified with deep technical and application expertise to service a broad range of information technology needs. From design to deployment, its products are available at any level of integration, from components to subsystem assemblies and fully-integrated, tested and certified system solutions. More information can be found in the company's SEC filings, or by visiting the Bell Microproducts web site at www.bellmicro.com.
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