StorServer Adds Ex-IBM Tivoli Exec for Strategic Marketing

Midmarket data backup specialist StorServer has plucked a former IBM (NYSE: IBM) Tivoli software evangelist as its new strategic marketing director and brought on a former consultant to handle database engineering.

Jarrett Potts, a 15-year IBM veteran with a strong background in Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) marketing and technical sales who also served as a TSM evangelist, brings a skillset to StorServer that includes administering IT systems including desktop support, small networks, backbone infrastructure, storage management and remote access for businesses and Internet service providers, according to StorServer officials.

In his new role, Potts will handle pre- and post-sales marketing and technical support and technical training for the vendors’ data backup appliances, software and services, as well as help develop presentation and training materials. In particular, Potts’ IBM background is of key strategic value to StorServer, which offers a suite of enterprise backup appliances, software and services for IBM TSM customers, said Bill Smoldt, StorServer president.

“As a result of his experience working in storage management, Jarrett displays passion and excitement while explaining how IBM’s solutions can address the challenges faced by IT managers today,” Smoldt said.

And Sharon Schlicht, whose background includes serving as a systems analyst for LSI Logic and On Semiconductor, joined the company after filling a consulting role in which she took charge of database and ColdFusion administration, including maintaining and updating existing ColdFusion/MS SQL Storbase data systems; designing and implementing new custom support call system applications; and integrating them into the company’s customer data. STORbase is StorServer’s quoting and registration database.

“STORbase is a sophisticated system on which we run our company and fulfill orders,” said Smoldt. “Sharon has used her expertise to make many areas of our company more efficient already, and now we’re ready to explode into new and even more advanced features for our customers and partners.”

StorServer last month upgraded its online reseller portal to offer channel partners more sales materials, product specifications and other information to help partners close sales. The company’s channel partner program includes marketing support, online collateral, product demos, webinars, a state-of-the-art quoting tool and sales and technical training for certification.