Pillar Makes Software Axiomatic

Pillar Data is packaging virtual tape library (VTL) and continuous data protection (CDP) software into the suite used to manage its storage systems.

Pillar will officially unveil its AxiomOne software suite next week, although most of the pieces have been shipping since the well-funded startup's Axiom systems launched 13 months ago. (See Pillar Leaves Post At Last.)

AxiomOne consists of the Pillar operating system, file system, performance manager for quality of service, capacity planning, and the volume and file replication it has shipped from the start. The new features are CDP and VTL for disk backup, and WORM capabilities for compliance.

The single suite is part of Pillar's plan to make its system self-contained, supporting SAN, NAS, and multiple storage tiers in one box. The idea is to give customers management and data protection features in one package along with its controllers and disk enclosures; or "slammers and bricks," respectively, in Pillar-speak.

Pillar's software isn't all that innovative, though. Much of it comes from partners, and some key features now come from a rival. Pillar gets its CDP and volume replication from an OEM deal with Kashya, which EMC acquired in May (See EMC Coughs Up for Kashya.) The VTL comes from an OEM deal with FalconStor, which also supplies VTL software to EMC, IBM, and Sun. Signiant is Pillar's file-replication partner.