4th December 2012 – London, UK – United Learning, one of the UK’s largest education providers, has chosen to protect its data with Securstore’s Hybrid Cloud solution. With 30,000 students, 5,500 staff, 20 academies and 11 independent schools, United Learning needed a credible, flexible cloud solution with guaranteed confidentiality and data security.

Having realised a Public Cloud option would not suit its data volumes, United Learning instead chose Securstore’s Hybrid Cloud model. This meant dedicated infrastructure was implemented at United Learning’s own data centre while a secondary, replicated system provided another layer of backup at Securstore’s own data centre.

This gives United Learning both a primary and a replicated system under its exclusive control for faster backups and restores. The model is further simplified with a fixed OPEX fee and as the hardware was provided by Securstore, no CAPEX investment was required.

Dick Rowley, Systems Manager, United Learning, said, "Once you have terabytes of data to back up, the market options become more limited - often the solution is not recognised, cannot support the infrastructure or the costs make it unaffordable. With Securstore, the Hybrid model suited our environment and it is delivered under a flat rate fee. The company’s support is 24/7 and the team is extremely proactive in informing me of any problems. I would have no hesitation recommending Securstore’s services.”

The benefit of Securstore’s Hybrid approach is that United Learning has the best of both worlds; data protected in the cloud, as well as in its own data centre. Placement of both systems is flexible (i.e. it can be in a data centre, disaster recovery site, head office and/or branch office in its own server room) and the solution supports all common operating systems, applications, virtual environments, laptops and smartphone users. Also, with it being an agentless technology, (i.e. no need to install the software per machine), it makes it easier to manage on a daily basis.

Furthermore, Securstore is ISO 27001 certified by the British Standards Institute and accredited by UKAS. To receive its global accreditations, Securstore had to prove it has systematically addressed all information security risks such as threats, vulnerabilities or potential outside impacts, as well as holding acceptable means to cope with these risks. For United Learning this represents an added safeguard as it knows its backup processes are aligned with regulatory compliance laws on data protection.

Alexander Eiriksson, COO of Securstore, said, "Hybrid or Private Cloud deployment is the only way forward when backing up large volumes of data. Long term, this gives the customer more control, flexibility and scalability in their overall backup strategy. We are delighted to welcome United Learning onboard and look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

About United Learning
United Learning is a group of schools which aims to provide excellent education to children and young people across the country. It is inclusive, welcoming children of all backgrounds, all faiths and none and all abilities, giving over 30,000 children an inspiring education. It seeks to improve the life chances of all the children and young people it serves, and makes it its mission to bring out the best in everyone – students, staff, parents and the wider community. Uniquely, its group includes significant numbers of schools in both the public and the private sectors, working together for mutual benefit.

More information can be found at http://www.unitedlearning.org.uk.

About Securstore
Founded in 1991, Securstore has spent over 20 years protecting enterprises of all sizes with its unique, market leading Cloud Backup & Recovery solution that is powered by Asigra. Securstore was awarded Asigra Partner of the Year for 2012 and is PC Pro recommended for its enterprise backup.

Whether deployed in a public, hybrid or private cloud environment, Securstore Cloud Backup & Recovery guarantees the cost effective protection of an organisation’s sensitive data without compromising on recovery and security; the core essence of its solution. Completely scalable and compatible with all IT systems, Securstore’s solution ensures total business continuity while aligning the lifespan of data with a company’s budget and infrastructure requirements.

Securstore is compliant with all international data regulations (ANAB, Sarbanes Oxley, DPA and HIPPA) and has full ISO 27001 accreditation from the British Standards Institute (BSI). Data is encrypted at all times and the company undergoes regular audits to verify its security practices.

With full 24/7 technical support, Securstore protects organisations across the world in every sector, including financial, legal, engineering, retail and manufacturing.

For more information, please visit www.securstore.com