EMC enterprise storage network forms core of Kelly Services` centralised info infrastructure

EMC Corporation, the world`s leading provider of enterprise storage systems, software and services, today announced that Kelly Services, Inc. (

), a leading provider of global staffing services, is placing an EMC Enterprise Storage Network (ESN) at the core of its worldwide information infrastructure.

To keep pace with a growing business, Kelly changed from a decentralized server-based storage environment to a centralized EMC Enterprise Storage Network.

"Every day our 1,800 worldwide offices employ more than 150,000 individuals. As we continued to grow, it became strikingly clear that a decentralized data storage model just wasn`t going to make the cut," said Tommi White, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative and Technology Officer of Kelly Services. "Matching the right staffing resource to customer requirements on such a global scale requires instantaneous access to huge volumes of up-to-date information. The EMC Enterprise Storage Network ensures our mission-critical information is readily available and easy to access.

"For example, EMC enables us to consolidate our worldwide distributed Oracle financials and payroll applications into a centrally managed data pool that can be accessed by all servers regardless of location," continued White. "EMC`s uniform method of accessing, sharing and protecting data simplifies the management of our vast information resources. This greatly reduces the time and cost of administering, which adds up to significant operational savings.

"With EMC`s highly adaptable architecture, we can quickly and easily expand our data center to include unlimited numbers and types of servers as we broaden our services and expand our international presence."

Also, by migrating to an EMC ESN, Kelly Services reduced by half the time required to refresh critical operational and financial data in its multi-terabyte Oracle database. "EMC`s close collaboration with Oracle enables us to optimize the performance of our large global Oracle applications," said White. "More timely data coupled with a significant increase in system availability helps us achieve higher productivity and stronger customer service."

To optimize data availability further, Kelly Services plans to implement EMC TimeFinder software, which creates mirrored copies of live production systems. "TimeFinder will virtually eliminate the eight hours of system downtime required to back up our data warehouse and Web applications, enabling us to deliver around-the-clock e-commerce and accommodate the business hours of our international staffing offices," said Jerry LaPorte, Kelly`s Director of Enterprise Technology Services.

Kelly Services enterprise storage network is based on Fibre Channel-attached EMC Symmetrix Enterprise Storage systems and Fibre Channel switch-based EMC Connectrix Enterprise Storage Network systems. The global network delivers a centralized pool of storage to Sun UNIX, Compaq Windows NT and Dell Windows NT servers located in offices around the world. EMC Professional Services Consultants worked closely with Kelly Services to move quickly and cost-efficiently through the phases of planning, design and implementation.

Kelly Services, headquartered in Troy, Mich., has six terabytes of EMC Symmetrix Enterprise Storage supporting its electronic commerce, electronic mail and Oracle data warehouse and database applications. EMC ControlCenter software proactively monitors and manages performance of the Enterprise Storage Network. Kelly Services also relies on EMC Connectrix Manager and Volume Logix software solutions to achieve high levels of information management control.

Mike Ruffolo, EMC Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Services and Marketing, stated, "Kelly Services made its mark as a dynamic, innovative leader in the global staffing services business. As Kelly expands into new markets and amasses greater volumes of data, the EMC Enterprise Storage Network will form the foundation of its information infrastructure and play a key role in helping transform information into profitability, growth and competitive advantage."