Storage User Group Gets Corporate Support

   The Association of Storage Networking Professionals (ASNP) has announced its first platinum-level sponsors: EMC and QLogic. The goal of adding platinum sponsors, according to the group, was to "build a bridge" between vendors and the user community. "Our members want to provide vendors with their pain points and also understand what vendors are doing to address their (users') needs," said Daniel Delshad, ASNP founder and chairman.
   Formed in September 2003, ASNP is an independent user group for storage professionals, including IT managers, systems administrators, university professors, and students. Worldwide, the group has 26 chapters and more than 1500 members. The association has opened Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Startup sponsorship levels to vendors and other storage-related companies. Sponsorship gives companies the opportunity to speak at ASNP chapter meetings, sponsor newsletters, and participate in customized feedback programs, such as surveys and focus groups. ASNP's first annual summit will take place next month at Storage World Conference in Long Beach, California.