RAID Technology from Germany
ICP vortex Computersysteme GmbH (ICP) was founded in 1990 and remained in private hands until March 2001, when it was acquired by Intel, the California-based manufacturer of semiconductors. In June 2003, ICP was acquired by Adaptec. A wholly-owned subsidiary, ICP is part of Adaptec's Storage Solutions Group. ICP's RAID controllers are produced to the most stringent standards and subjected to extensive testing. They are used wherever access speed, data availability and security are vital. The compatibility of ICP's storage building blocks is guaranteed by Adaptec. As part of the RAID EVERYWHERE strategy, Adaptec chose to retain the ICP brand to complement its own offerings in the areas of storage connectivity, archiving, storage networking and external storage.
ICP has specialised in the development, production and marketing of high-end RAID, cluster, SAN and storage solutions. It is one of the leading manufacturers in the RAID market and is also regarded as a trendsetter in disk array technology.
Success through Specialisation
In March 2001, ICP became part of Intel's I/O & Bridges division. Among the benefits of the acquisition by Intel was the ability to deliver and guarantee improved compatibility for all PC system storage components from one source. Intel products - such as motherboards, processors, chipsets, network components, software applications and RAID controllers - were tested and fine-tuned in tandem with ICP products. The co-operation with Intel started in 1996, with the implementation of i960 processors on ICP RAID controllers, giving ICP almost 10 years of CPU expertise.
In June 2003, the storage experts at Adaptec took over ICP. At Intel, development was specifically directed to Intel servers. At Adaptec, the focus is on particular brands and product development is geared towards maximum compatibility for a vast range of components and platforms. Furthermore, ICP has augmented its expertise with I/O processors, in SCSI silicon (including SAS) and overall storage competency. The result of the union is a holistic-thinking company with an extensive product range both in the server field and in the external storage domain.
Customer Satisfaction is about more than just a good Product
Besides high quality standards for all ICP's products, customer satisfaction has always been and remains the prime factor in the company's success. The people at Adaptec and ICP are well aware that entrepreneurial success is not only the result of products: customer focus is at least as important. Over the last few years, ICP's customer-oriented operation has not only produced an excellent reputation, but has also developed and nurtured a loyal customer base. Prompted by customer comments and suggestions for improvement, ICP is able to hone its products to meet the most demanding requirements. As part of the ICP Partner Programme, the company offers regular sales and marketing support to partners. ICP also assists its customers in achieving technical certification, through providing free informational storage seminars and RAID/Cluster workshops.
Steadfast Sales Channel Contact
Despite ongoing changes in the market and in ownership, nothing has changed with regard to the ICP brand, its state-of-the-art-technology, its RAID expertise and the long-established relationships between customers and the experienced ICP sales, support and hotline teams.
Tried-and-tested ICP proprietary RAID controllers continue to be available through established sales channels (distributors, system integrators and specialist dealers). True to the adage that "quality will out", end customers using ICP controllers enjoy a range of special benefits, including:
- ICP controllers are backwards compatible
- ICP controllers support standard operating systems
- ICP controllers are fitted with heat sinks, making them suitable for use in a wide range of system environments
- ICP delivers a broad range of accessories
- ICP offers free updates and drivers for download
- ICP offers each customer Direct RMA (Return Material Authorisation) and repair service
- ICP offers each customer technical consultation via a freephone hotline
ICP's philosophy is that a satisfied customer is prepared to pay for a good product and comprehensive support provided by the manufacturer or - often at a surcharge - by its sales/specialist dealer partners. At the end of the chain, this enables higher retail prices to be achieved in the market by system integrators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
For more Information please contact us:
ICP vortex Computersysteme GmbH
Konrad-Zuse-Str. 9
74172 Neckarsulm, Germany
Tel.: +49-(0)-7132-9620-800
e-mail: icp_marketing@adaptec.com
