NetApp intros software-defined object storage to manage data in hybrid clouds

NetApp has released StorageGRID Webscale object-storage software that helps organisations leverage the hybrid cloud to manage massive data-sets with reduced cost and secure data management. The new release of StorageGRID Webscale adds seamless integration of cloud applications with Amazon S3 support.

It also enables IT organisations to store up to 100 billion objects in a single elastic container that can be distributed in data centres worldwide.

“Today’s organisations are undergoing explosive growth in unstructured data. NetApp helps enterprises get the most from their strategic IT investments with data management and storage that deliver the speed, security, and scalability needed,” said Dan Neault, senior vice president, Data Center Solutions Group, NetApp. “Leveraging 10 years of enterprise object-storage experience, StorageGRID Webscale provides a foundation for software-defined, globally distributed object stores with policies that enable IT to govern data placement and protection worldwide.”

StorageGRID Webscale is built for the next generation of cloud-enabled applications. It supports industry-standard cloud protocols such as Amazon S3 and CDMI, enabling applications to run on the premises or in hosted environments. NetApp StorageGRID Webscale runs on a virtualised server infrastructure with either NetApp E-Series data storage systems or third-party storage arrays providing the storage foundation.

The software’s patented capabilities include an intelligent policy engine which determines the durability and physical placement of data to comply with business requirements. Customisable data management policies.

Later this year, NetApp will begin an early adopter programme for the next release of StorageGRID Webscale object-storage software. Customers in this programme will have access to advanced features, including geo-distributed erasure coding for efficient global data protection, and cloud tiering for on-premises and off-premises repositories. General availability for this next generation of StorageGRID Webscale software is planned for 2015.