HDS Puts More Skin In Cloud Storage Game

Hitachi Data Systems Corporation is extending its cloud reach with enhancements to its object storage solution — Hitachi Content Platform — and the introduction of an on-premises intelligent storage cache for distributed sites — Hitachi Data Ingestor. HCP v4 adds  simplified and automated replication, more granular multitenancy and chargeback capabilities, while HDI is being called the new "on ramp" to HCP, a way to simplify cloud adoption by providing standard file serving access – NFS or CIFS – to stored content.

The latest version of HCP reportedly eliminates tape-based backups and includes built-in chargeback tools. It is integrated with the new Hitachi Virtual Storage Platform and adapts to legacy environments through HDI as well as integrates with Symantec Enterprise Vault archiving software. The company says HDI can reside at remote or branch offices or public cloud locations, to provide bottomless, backup-free storage by connecting to the multitenant, multipurpose HCP. In addition, cloud service providers can create environments that can satisfy the demands of a wide range of customer types with a single infrastructure.

Terri McClure, senior analyst, Enterprise Strategy Group, says the new HDS offering is an attractive solution for customers looking to realize the operational benefits of cloud storage infrastructure without a major infrastructure overhaul, reduce overhead and get up and running quickly. "This is an extension of the virtualization of IT – extending edge to core, and really a complementary component to the VSP (Hitachi’s Virtual Storage Platform) announcement.  On the whole, HDS has a pretty comprehensive cloud strategy with all the pieces they are pulling together, including compliant and WORM cloud storage.  It’s a pretty well rounded vision, even down to the consumption models they offer for private cloud.  They will put equipment on site and provide a private, behind the firewall cloud service, and only charge users for storage consumed.  HDS is putting a lot of skin in the cloud game."

According to MarketsandMarkets (M&M), the global cloud computing market is expected to grow from $37.8 billion in 2010 to $121.1 billion in 2015 at a CAGR of 26.2 percent from 2010 to 2015. One of the keys, notes the research company, is that the cloud model not only obviates the need for making capital investments in servers and storage, but also results in zero operational expenses for running data centers.

HDS has made a number of recent announcements targeted at the cloud market, including a new upgrade to its management software, and Hitachi Cloud Services, a suite of storage  services for the enterprise.