DataCore Adds Storage Hypervisor to Speed Storage Virtualization

DataCore Software, which specializes in storage virtualization and iSCSI SAN software, has launched the DataCore Storage Hypervisor. The move builds upon DataCore’s auto-tiering offering, according to President, CEO and Co-Founder George Teixeira. DataCore says channel partners are embracing the company’s software to (1) head off storage-related obstacles that stall virtualization deals, (2) speed adoption and standardization of virtual infrastructure and (3) increase share of wallet across storage and virtualization.

In this latest move, DataCore is “bringing out more openness in auto-tiering and its ability to integrate with other features,” said Teixeira. He said the DataCore Storage Hypervisor’s greatest feature is that it can “play across many different platforms,” because today’s data centers require specialized equipment to meet the different nuances of various customer workloads.

“From an MSP standpoint, they have two kinds of storage cases,” added DataCore Software Director of Product and Channel Marketing Augie Gonzalez. “They either buy the same type of storage and have multiples of it, or they have different storage levels because they support a lot of different systems. People are throwing purpose-built storage solutions at the problem.” Gonzalez claims the DataCore Storage Hypervisor can support both scenarios.

Among the challenges facing DataCore: Making sure the company’s storage virtualization strategy stands apart from all the different storage and virtualization claims floating around the IT industry. “The term [storage virtualization] has become so diluted. We are trying to make it clearer,” Teixeira said. Both Teixeira and Gonzalez said DataCore’s definition is more in line with Microsoft, Citrix Systems and VMware, meaning a rich set of features across many platforms.

DataCore has made multiple moves in recent months. In late July 2011, the company was promoting a virtualized storage solution for its SMB and MSP clients. A week later DataCore launched an auto-tiering solution for MSPs, a technology normally reserved for high-end storage needs.