It took longer than I expected for Nimble Storage to introduce an all-flash array, but their AF7000 looks to be a very credible offering. They’re targeting XtremIO and Pure with their marketing, but I expect HP, Dell, and especially NetApp to be cross-shopped more frequently. In that fight, I expect the Nimble AF7000 to be very attractive indeed!
What’s (Still) Wrong With Dropbox For Business
I am a heavy (and paying) user of Dropbox, using it both for business and personal storage and synchronization. Although I find the service incredibly useful, Dropbox is far from perfect, especially for business users. So I thought I would take a few moments to talk about what I’d like to see Dropbox improve.
Link: What’s the Difference Between Compression, Deduplication, and Single-Instance Storage?
The difference between traditional compression and modern data deduplication is somewhat hazy. And it doesn’t help that various implementations fall all along the spectrum from “mildly interesting” to “cutting edge!”
Microsoft Adds Data Deduplication to NTFS in Windows 8
The next version of Microsoft Windows Server includes integrated data deduplication technology. Microsoft is positioning this as a boon for server virtualization and claims it has very little performance impact. But how exactly does Microsoft’s de-duplication technology work?
Data Reduction: the Condensed Version
Native Format Optimization (NFO) makes a lot of sense, since it addresses a common user error in a practical way, and allows capacity savings to “trickle-down†to backups, e-mail systems, and archives. But wholesale compression and the duplication of primary storage may not be worth much, especially since the cost of disk keeps dropping dramatically.
Storage Decisions New York: Capacity Optimization
Later this month, I will be heading to New York for TechTarget’s Storage Decisions conference. I will have two presentations on data reduction and storage virtualization in the main conference track. Registration is free for qualified end-users, and I urge you to attend on September 19 and 20, 2011.
When Pricing Gets Squishy Competition Heats Up
I stepped into a hornet nest this week when I posted a write-up about a new flash storage array from Pure Storage. The controversy had nothing to do with the underlying technology, which seems quite sound. Rather, it was all about pricing, with Pure’s competitors calling foul on their price comparisons.
How Many Social Media Marketing Campaigns Fit Into a Mini Cooper?
I’ve witnessed quite a few publicity stunts from IT industry companies, many of which include over-the-top videos. But it’s rare to find one that’s actually amusing and informative. That’s why I was so pleased to discover a new video from Symantec on YouTube: It’s silly and fun, well produced, and actually tells us something about data de-duplication! Take a look yourself, and let me know what you think.
How Does Dropbox Store Data?
Dropbox recently clarified (via their blog and privacy policy) that they “de-duplicate” user files. This has been known for quite a while, and is obvious to anyone who’s had a large file “upload” instantly. But how exactly does Dropbox store files? Are they really de-duplicated or just single-instanced? I set out to discover the answer.
Storage Decisions Chicago: All About Capacity Optimization
Next month, I will be heading to Chicago for TechTarget’s Storage Decisions conference. This show does a good job on the editorial side, suggesting timely topics and bringing in independent voices like Howard Marks. I will have three presentations to give: Sessions on data reduction and storage virtualization in the main conference track, as well as a dinner discussion focusing on controlling the growth of data. Registration is free for qualified end-users, and I urge you to attend.