Kaminario has just added a new feature it calls DataProtect to the SPEAR architecture. Demands for high-performance storage imply that they are used for mission-critical applications in enterprises (otherwise enterprises would have a hard time quantifying the benefits of SSD versus its substantial costs). However, while SSD solutions have always had some level of protection, the question has been whether robust data protection requirements, such as high availability (HA), have really been there.
According to Kaminario, DataProtect delivers Non-Disruptive Operation (NDO) and covers a number of special functions, including high-speed snapshots and asynchronous replication from remote backup and disaster recovery with a recovery point objective of less than 15 seconds. In essence, it appears to be a well-thought-out enterprise-class data protection solution that supports mission-critical applications designed for SSD speeds and volumes. All in all, enterprises expect (and demand) enterprise-class capabilities (such as HA), and Kaminario seems to be responding to those requirements.
The I/O gap problem is a very real one. Products that meet real customer I/O needs and sell accordingly will bring a smile to the faces of investors in companies that sell those products. But in the meantime, there is a lot of uncertainty, as the turbulence in the market for the next few years means that everyone is going to need to keep their seat belts fastened.
A clear, consistent message like Kaminario’s helps to ease the turbulence. Kaminario believes that a storage appliance that manages all the data and is also subject to high-performance requirements is the way to go. However, the company also understands that customers require the same level of enterprise-class features in an appliance that they demand in SAN storage.
Kaminario appears to have delivered those capabilities with the addition of DataProtect to its SPEAR architecture. Although with K2 Kaminario is not necessarily alone at the top of the high-performance SSD storage mountain, it has a clear view of where it is going and what benefits high-performance-demanding customers need and are willing to pay for. And that is a good position to be in.
At the time of publication, Kaminario is not a client of David Hill and the Mesabi Group.
