Virtualization.com

News and insights from the vibrant world of virtualization and cloud computing

Robin Wauters

Flash Virtualization Company FlashSoft Secures $3 Million

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FlashSoft, the ‘Flash Virtualization Company’, launched with the announcement of its Series A funding of $3 million, led by Thomvest Ventures, and the introduction of the first commercial offering of software to enable enterprise flash as a cost-effective, server-tier computing resource.

The company’s product, called FlashSoft SE, is commercially available today and is already being used in business-critical production environments by several customers. FlashSoft SE is available for free evaluation through a 30-day “Try Before You Buy” program.

Flash technology has gained traction in enterprise computing due to its ability to reduce input/output (IO) latency, and to increase scalability and performance for databases, enterprise applications and virtualization environments.

Despite the performance advantages of flash SSD, two barriers have inhibited its adoption in the enterprise. First, when used as primary data storage, flash memory cannot easily integrate with and leverage the benefits of existing storage systems infrastructure. Secondly, storing all of an application’s data on server-attached flash memory remains expensive.

FlashSoft SE is the first commercially available, all-software “tier minus one” solution for Flash Virtualization.

Enterprise IT can now provide databases, applications and virtual machine environments with the performance benefit of having the entire data set on flash, with only a fraction of the data actually stored in flash. This innovation makes enterprise flash a cost-effective performance solution that works seamlessly with existing storage infrastructure.

FlashSoft SE is a software solution that automatically identifies and caches the most frequently used data — hot data — on any SSD in the server. This capability, called Active Data Management, enables flash SSD to be applied to the computing operations in which it can provide the greatest benefit, eliminating IO latency that holds back application and virtualization scale and performance.

FlashSoft SE for Windows Server is available for evaluation and purchase now. Pricing is based on the number of servers accelerated and types of SSDs employed.

FlashSoft SE for Linux is currently in Beta testing.

DataCore Teams Up With immixGroup For Targeted Storage Virtualization Programs

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DataCore Software, a provider of storage virtualization software, has announced that it has teamed with immixGroup, the largest provider of government channel programs for technology companies, to structure targeted channel sales programs into the federal government as well as to the Public Sector.

immixGroup will also manage DataCore’s GSA schedule.

Under this new relationship, immixGroup will work in conjunction with reseller partners and solution providers on behalf of DataCore to drive new government sector sales opportunities and help them become familiar with rules of engagement.

From the government’s perspective, the new partnership and its programs will make it easier for federal datacenters to benefit from the cost savings and productivity that comes from virtualizing their existing and new storage infrastructures in support of their virtual servers and virtual desktop initiatives.

CREDANT Debuts Data Protection Software For Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

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CREDANT Technologies, experts in data protection, have announced immediate availability of encryption software for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) cloud infrastructures.

CREDANT’s solution provides a robust security platform for enterprises concerned about data loss. The CREDANT solution gives organizations the ability to more safely realize the financial benefits of VDI while maintaining a vigorous security profile.

VDI is being used to simplify desktop management, reduce costs for desktop hardware and centralize management of applications and users, providing an essential element of cloud strategy. The challenge comes when data moves from traditional encrypted desktops onto unencrypted platforms (persistent desktops, mobile devices or both) – potentially exposing significant quantities of data.

CREDANT’s VDI data protection solution encrypts and secures information wherever it is stored.

HyTrust Names Mercy Caprara CFO

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HyTrust, which delivers proactive control, compliance and visibility over virtualized environments and the entire cloud stack, has announced that it has named Mercy Caprara as Chief Financial Officer. Caprara will be responsible for driving and overseeing financial strategy and planning at HyTrust.

Caprara has over fifteen years experience in corporate finance, working with both start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently, she served as VP of Finance, CFO and company secretary of TriCipher, an Internet identity services provider that was recently acquired by VMware.

Prior to that, she was co-founder and VP of Finance for Escalate, a provider of cross-channel commerce solutions, where she set up all finance functions and led several financings.

Before Escalate, Caprara was corporate controller at data warehousing software provider Red Brick Systems (acquired by Informix Software), and Controller for Kiva Software, where she was instrumental in closing the acquisition of that company by Netscape.

“I’m excited to join HyTrust and build upon its existing financial foundation to further the business goals,” noted Mercy Caprara, CFO of HyTrust.

KineticD Joins The VMware Technology Alliance Partner Program

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KineticD, the cloud backup, recovery and data access service designed for small and mid-sized businesses, has joined the VMware Technology Alliance Partner (TAP) program.

The VMware TAP program helps technology vendors integrate their products with VMware virtualization and cloud infrastructure software and deliver timely, joint solutions to mutual customers.

“Businesses today require data storage, disaster recovery and access solutions that better adapt to the way they need to do business while still maintaining the highest levels of security in a cloud world,” said Jamie Brenzel, CEO of KineticD. “At KineticD, we are focused on bringing secure, affordable cloud-based services to SMB users so they can easily backup, restore, access and share their digital assets – wherever their business takes them.”

With more than 1,800 members worldwide, the VMware TAP program works with best-of-breed technology partners to provide them a comprehensive set of VMware technical and marketing services, support, tools and expertise to deliver enhanced value to joint customers.

WatchDox Announces Virtual Appliance For Secure Document Sharing

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WatchDox, a provider of document control, tracking and protection solutions, recently announced the availability of its on-premise offering.

WatchDox’s virtual appliance addresses the needs of organizations that are required to meet specialized, strict security and privacy requirements. With private cloud and virtual appliance options, WatchDox secure document sharing and virtual data room solutions fill a previously unmet need in the government, public sector and financial industries.

WatchDox now includes the following offerings:

– WatchDox Cloud: allows companies to quickly deploy advanced, scalable document security with no hardware or software installation.
– WatchDox Private Cloud: offers dedicated cloud configurations for large customers.
– WatchDox Virtual Appliance: fits certain enterprise and government customers with highly specialized regulatory requirements. It is deployed on-premise on customer-provided hardware.

The WatchDox Virtual Appliance will be widely available in Q3 2011.