EMC snaps up Nutanix channel boss to lead local flash channel

EMC has snapped up former Nutanix channel manager Darrin Edkins to head up its flash storage channel business across Australia and New Zealand.

Edkins takes on the role of EMC ANZ's manager of mid-market and channel, all flash solutions, and is charged with raising awareness of EMC's all flash offerings to the mid-market and through channel partners and service providers.

The appointment to the newly created role comes as EMC continues to expand its flash portfolio. At EMC World earlier this week, the vendor launched its Unity all flash and hybrid flash arrays designed for small and medium enterprises.

Edkins says with the Unity launch the technology has now reached a point where it is accessible and affordable to all markets.

"I'm looking forward to working with EMC's channel ecosystem to put in place plans to make all flash data centers a reality," Edkins, who will be Sydney-based, says.

Darren McCullum, EMC ANZ regional sales manager for all flash solutions, says over the past six months EMC's flash storage portfolio has expanded to include solutions for customers spanning all market segments and application use cases.

"This puts our channel partners in a fantastic position to support their customers as they modernise their data centers," McCullum says.

Edkins has more than 20 years experience in technology and 'extensive' channel experience, EMC says.

Previous roles include his stint as Nutanix Australia and New Zealand channel director, Dell enterprise and storage channel development manager for ANZ and a time as Hewlett-Packard enterprise storage and server partner programs manager.

Says EMC: "Darrin is an experienced senior leader who is able to articulate the technology offering at both a business and technical level.

"He is passionate about driving technology adoption while focusing on achieving strong business outcomes.