World leading storage technology company, StorageTek, set up a new subsidiary in Beijing Wednesday to provide back-up services for Chinese customers.

The new company, StorageTek (China) services Co.ltd, will be engaged in research and development of hardware and software, and providing backup and training services for customers, said Patrick Martin, Chairman and President of StorageTek.

"Data is now seen as one of the most valuable assets of companies. The challenge is how to manage the ever growing storage demands in a less complex and more efficient way," said Martin.

"Though for now, StorageTek is relatively new to China, with the ever-increasing storage demand in the country, we believe we can play a vital, strategic role in China's high-tech industry."

Set up in 1969 in the United States, the StorageTek now provides storage solutions, including discs and tape systems, to 17,000 customers in more than 50 countries and regions in the world.

Entering China in 1998, the company has set up representative offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou so far.

(Xinhua News Agency September 25, 2003)