Ann Arbor's Online Tech wants to become the data storage bank to the world. The data-storage company, formed in 2002, specializes in making sure the mass digitization of North America's information doesn't disappear in a catastrophic computer crash. It allows people and businesses to back-up their computer files on secure servers just in case the worst happens.

Since its inception, the company has grown six-fold and the successes keep piling on. So much so that the company simplified its name to become more recognizable to customers. (It was originally called  Online Technologies Corp).

The company added 3 new employees in 2008, growing their staff to 16 and a hand full of contractors and interns. The last five years have seen 30-40% annual revenue growth and the firm expects to add 4-6 more people in the coming year. They are also company to make acquire at least 10,000 square feet for a new data center relatively soon.

Online Tech sees opportunity in the current economy and credit crisis as more companies shelf plans to expand their own data centers. The company thinks those companies will choose to outsource to firms like Online Tech as they try to conserve cash.

• Online Tech invests $1M in new data center, continues hiring
• Cooler By The River: Yan Ness, CEO of Online Tech
• Online Tech grows revenue 30% with cloud computing
• Online Tech hires 4, plans for 50% growth
• Entrepreneur profile: Yan Ness of Ann Arbor’s Online Tech
• Online Tech plans to hire in Ann Arbor, expand database centers

• Jason Yaeger