FastScale Scopes Out Virtualization

Virtualization startup FastScale is readying the launch of its first products next month, picking up $6.5 million in Series A funding yesterday as it prepares to take on VMware, Opsware, and IBM. (See FastScale Secures $6.5M.)

The round, which was led by ATA Ventures, will be used to fund the rollout of the startup's closely-guarded software, starting next month. "It's software virtualization and provisioning for large Web farms and data centers," explains Lynn LeBlanc, FastScale CEO. "Effectively, we're managing many of the functions that currently occur manually in building, managing, and deploying software environments."

The exec would not reveal additional details of FastScale's technology ahead of its April 16 launch, although she did cite Opsware and Bladelogic as direct competitors. (See Opsware Intros Solution, Opsware, Cisco Ink Deal, BladeLogic Intros Software, and BladeLogic Boosts Management.)

Both Opsware and BladeLogic have positioned their wares as a way for users to automate a range of data center processes, from server provisioning and patch management to security and compliance. (See Time Warner Teams With BladeLogic, Betfair Selects BladeLogic, Expedia Picks BladeLogic, Right90 Selects BladeLogic, and Virgin Mobile.)

Like a convict looking to prove himself by taking on the meanest, biggest con in his new cellblock, FastScale is also eyeing up VMware. "In some cases we will compete, and in some cases we will be complementary," explained LeBlanc, presumably while cracking her knuckles.At least one analyst told Byte and Switch that FastScale could also find itself up against big name products like IBM's Tivoli Director and CA's Unicenter. FastScale's software "could enable very fast and very scalable provisioning of applications and entire operating environments," says Andi Mann, senior analyst at Enterprise Management Associates. "You could use your physical resources much more effectively and efficiently with this stuff."

The startup has already picked up six beta customers, according to LeBlanc, including both traditional end-users and OEM partners. She would not reveal the identities of these firms, although she was more forthcoming on FastScale's expansion plans.

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based vendor currently has 16 employees, and LeBlanc expects this figure to reach 38 by the end of this year. "It will be pretty much across the board -- sales and support, engineering, operations, marketing, and a little bit in finance," she says.

Despite the growing demand for products that can streamline data center processes, EMA's Mann warns that FastScale is unlikely to be a silver bullet for users' data center woes. "If I am looking for a full provisioning solution," he says, "I will probably not be looking at FastScale, because they do not do [provisioning] for networking gear or storage."

Rival vendor Opsware recently unveiled its plans to expand its data center automation software into the storage realm. (See Opsware Outlines Storage Plan, Opsware Gains CreekPath, and Ocular, MegaSys Work Together.) Opsware, which started life targeting server management, has since expanded its software portfolio to include networking devices, and is expected to launch its Application Storage Automation System (ASAS) later this year. (See Opsware Opens Up on Storage and Opsware Acquires iConclude.)FastScale's initial seed financing came from LeBlanc herself, who was previously vice president of marketing and business development at Scyld Software. (See Scyld Joins With Cluster.) Stevan Vlaovic, the FastScale CTO, and Richard Offer, the startup's vice president of engineering, were, respectively, systems architect at Sun and technical lead at SGI and Rolls Royce.

The startup's advisory board of industry CIOs may also provide a hint as to the identity of FastScale's first customers and technology partners. Mercedes De Luca, vice president of information systems at Yahoo, is one of the luminaries signed up to advise FastScale on its product roadmap, along with Al Pappas, the former CIO of VMware.

James Rogers, Senior Editor Byte and Switch