Datalink Delivers Enterprise Network Storage Solution to Hosted Solutions

MINNEAPOLIS--May 18, 2004--Datalink Corporation (Nasdaq:DTLK) announced today that Raleigh-based Springboard Managed Hosting, newly renamed as Hosted Solutions, has partnered with Datalink to implement a Network Appliance(TM) networked storage solution.

As a result of this partnership, Springboard/Hosted Solutions enhanced its overall service offerings, improved its data storage and security capacity, and further solidified its market leading position as the premiere service provider in the southeast.

Springboard/Hosted Solutions, founded in 2001, advances with a simple mission: to provide world-class data security, network and server redundancy, and fully customizable managed solutions 24/7. These services benefit Springboard/Hosted Solutions' customers by reducing system downtime, increasing IT performance and reducing overall IT spend, Chief Executive Officer Rich Lee said.

"It's critical for services to be adaptable to the individual needs of our customers," Lee said. "Datalink assessed our needs, and in short order deployed a Network Appliance storage system for proof of performance tests, followed by implementation into our production environment. We gave Datalink a short window to complete this project and they rolled up their up their sleeves and delivered."

Datalink analyzed Springboard/Hosted Solutions' data capacity, scalability, and overall performance demands. Datalink then consolidated Springboard/Hosted Solutions' storage environment by deploying an enterprise network-attached storage solution. The storage solution, which features a Network Appliance FAS940 Enterprise Storage system, provides a highly reliable, cost effective, and scalable storage infrastructure, and it supports the company's goal of expanding its footprint in the Carolinas.

"The NetApp-Datalink partnership provided Springboard/Hosted Solutions with the reliability, scalability and ease of management they needed for their environment," said Leonard Iventosch, vice president of channel sales at Network Appliance. "In teaming with partners like Datalink, we continue to deliver innovative and customized solutions at the lowest cost of ownership, maximizing our customer's investment in their storage infrastructure."

"Springboard/Hosted Solutions' customer-centric approach and focus were foundational to our work," Datalink President and Chief Operating Officer Charlie Westling said. "We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Springboard/Hosted Solutions and deliver a solution that contributes to the success of their customers and their business."

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD/HOSTED SOLUTIONS

The newly renamed Hosted Solutions provides complete and customized managed and dedicated web hosting solutions to more than 275 clients. Springboard/Hosted Solutions offers unmatched technical expertise in best practices and best-of-breed technologies as well as flexible and scalable packages and a la carte services. For more information about Springboard/Hosted Solutions' offerings contact sales@springboardhosting.com, call 919-852-0690 in the Triangle, 704-423-9174 in Charlotte, or visit www.springboardhosting.com.

ABOUT NETWORK APPLIANCE

Network Appliance (Nasdaq:NTAP) is a world leader in unified storage solutions for today's data-intensive enterprise. Since its inception in 1992, Network Appliance has delivered technology, product, and partner firsts that continue to drive "The evolution of storage.(TM)" Information about Network Appliance solutions and services is available at www.netapp.com.

ABOUT DATALINK

Datalink Corporation is a leading information storage architect. The company analyzes, designs, implements, and supports information storage infrastructures that store, protect, and provide continuous access to information. Datalink's specialized capabilities and solutions span storage area networks, network-attached storage, direct-attached storage, and IP-based storage, using industry-leading hardware, software, and technical services. Recent news releases and other information are available at www.datalink.com.