Kronologi expands in Hong Kong to meet strong demand for data storage

KUALA LUMPUR: Kronologi Asia Bhd has partnered Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd (ST Electronics) to expand in Hong Kong as part of its strategy to deliver transnational (cross border) data backup solutions. 

Hong Kong will be the second physical point of presence after Singapore for Kronologi – listed on Malaysia’s ACE market – which is catering to the growing demand in Asia for data storage and protection solutions.

In a filing with Bura Malaysia, Kronologi said will invest up to US$2.35mil (RM10mil) in new equipment to be installed at an ST Electronics’ existing data centre in Hong Kong. With this partnership, ST Electronics will be able to extend Kronologi’s data storage and protection services to its customers.

The group is in advanced discussions with several potential customers and expects to roll out its services in Hong Kong in the second half of 2017. 

Through its Kronicles brand, Kronologi helps regional small and medium enterprises backup and protect their data. It uses a hybrid architecture (on-site appliances and over the cloud) to help businesses mitigate risks to their digital assets arising from disasters, ransomware and other events.

The collaboration with ST Electronics follows Kronologi’s announcement in April that it would set up transnational infrastructure to offer clients the option of having more than one physical location or country for data backup.

Demand for data backup is being driven by the proliferation of data such as emails, staff and business records, legal documents and more, which companies must safeguard as part of efforts to ensure business continuity and compliance. 

As recent events have demonstrated, a safeguard against ransomware is also critical for business continuity, it noted.

Kronologi’s acting CEO Philip Teo said the partnership with ST Electronics is the first part of the plan that will enable the company to allow customers the option to choose to protect their assets in Singapore and/or Hong Kong. 

“The collaboration with Kronologi signifies our commitment in strengthening our global offerings. Hong Kong has a large pool of professionals in infocomm technology. 

“Coupled with great connectivity to many locations in Asia, it is the ideal location for us to meet our clients’ growing needs for enhanced data storage and protection services,” said ST Electronics president Ravinder Singh. 

The Kronicles service is powered by Quantum Corp, a leading expert in scale-out tiered storage, archive and data protection.