DataCore, the well established storage virtualization player, has decided to jump into an other red ocean with a new product vFilO able to deliver file and object access.We wonder who could be the file and object layer(s) embedded in the product. Recognized as a pioneer of SDS, DataCore SANsymphony is essentially a block storage solution confirming that adding the 2 other access methods is not trivial and should be chosen from the market.
As the product presentation is an asymmetric implementation with side metadata servers and data servers we have some ideas. Now pNFS is also supported by the solution which reduces the number of potential partners. The philosophy is to be a access layer providing file, bloc and object access on top on block storage, file server or cloud or on-premises object services so it's not by itself a storage entity.
MSRP pricing is $345/TB/yr for hot data and $175/TB/yr for inactive data.
It reminds me what we saw 10-15 years ago with Network File Management and Virtualization with F5/Acopia, Cisco/NeoPath, Brocade/NuView or EMC/Rainfinity to name a few or more recently with Cloud Gateway and actors like Panzura, Nasuni or Avere now an Azure company.
We're ready to unveil the partner behind vFilO, it's Hammerspace. The new name of Primary Data, originally rooted on Isrealian Tonian Systems, a software pioneer of pNFS. On Hammerspace side, more deals are coming with different partners, one is VDI, other we'll see.
We recognize a new strategy pattern since Dave Zabrowski arrived as CEO with the clear desire to go beyond block storage and add file and object which is an obvious necessity to grow the business. And Hammerspace is a right choice. DataCore is zombie company founded in 1988, wow 31 years ago, and we understand that board has shaken a bit the executive team to extend the business and potentially be in an acquisition mode. Again a big bonus is always a good motivation. I can't imagine George Teixeira retiring without a big check.
