Aegis Technology Services, a managed services provider of   cloud computing solutions for the IBM Power Systems market, announced today the official formation of the company as a result of a joint venture between Data Storage Corporation, a   long-standing leader in cloud storage and cloud computing, and ABC Services, Inc. ("ABC"), a  certified IBM IT solutions provider.

Aegis Technology  combines ABC's industry-leading managed services expertise in IBM iSeries/AIX   v7 with technical support and data center operations expertise from Data  Storage Corporation. This combined know-how will enable mid-market firms  built on IBM hardware platforms to deploy new levels of reliable and   cost-effective computing and high availability solutions, leveraging the  cloud and the benefits of the Infrastructure-as-a-Service  ("Iaas")/hosted model.

According to a   report recently published by the research firm IDC (Worldwide and Regional   Public IT Cloud Services 2012-2016 Forecast), global spending on public  IT cloud services is expected to reach the $100 billion milestone in 2016 as   a result of companies starting to migrate their operations to the cloud  services model. Based upon current trends, it is estimated that as much as 65   percent of the 60,000 SMBs currently using IBM Power Systems (iSeries/AIX)   will move to a hosted services model over the next decade.

As part of the joint  venture agreement, Peter Briggs, executive VP at Data Storage Corporation and   founder of SafeData, acquired by Data Storage Corporation in 2010, has been  named Managing Partner of Aegis Technology. With more than 20 years of   experience in IBM System i(iSeries, AS/400) high availability services gained   at both SafeData and Data Storage Corporation, Briggs brings unmatched   industry experience and deep relationships to the new venture. "The   opportunity ahead of us to move many IBM mid-market clients to a cloud-based   Infrastructure-as-a-Service model is tremendous," commented Peter   Briggs. "The adoption of cloud computing across the small and mid-sized   business marketplace is gathering momentum as the many benefits of the   platform become clear. With a current IBM customer count of over 400 and a   tremendous technical team behind us, we are well positioned to capture a   significant piece of this emerging market."

"The creation   of a new managed services venture focused on serving the unique needs of   organizations built on IBM hardware and software is another important   milestone in the continued growth and expansion of Data Storage   Corporation," said Chuck Piluso, chairman and CEO at Data Storage   Corporation. "Having successfully built a robust network of data centers   incorporating best-of-breed software and hardware solutions, staffed by a   talented team of dedicated technical support professionals, Data Storage has   created the ideal growth platform. With our unmatched ability to custom   design a client's complete IT infrastructure from data storage and   protection, compliance to business continuity, we are enabling SMB customers   in sectors ranging from healthcare, finance, professional services, and   government, to embrace the full power and flexibility of the cloud."

Thomas Kempster,  president of ABC Services was quoted, "ABC Services and Data Storage Corporation have benefited from a strong relationship through the years. I look forward to a future of building infrastructures that will support the  mission critical  environments of our customers."