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Deepfile Becomes StoredIQ: Page 2 of 3

StoredIQ aims to streamline this by automatically finding files that contain specific characteristics or keywords. The company's new StoredIQ 3.0 is a Linux-based appliance (an enhanced version of the firm's original platform -- see Deepfile Comes to the Surface) that not only creates metadata from basic file information, but peers into the content of files to search for keywords or specific kinds of information, such as inappropriate images, foul language, and other no-nos. Then it puts files where they belong, according to preset rules -- whether that's disk array, tape library, or trash bin.

StoredIQ isn't alone in aiming to cash in on what it sees as a hot new market. Arkivio Inc. has long had a series of products aimed at tracking and organizing unstructured data files for compliance. But StoredIQ claims to be able to go deeper into the content of files.

At least one other startup, Mountain View, Calif.-based Kazeon Inc., is still in stealth but claims to be looking at exactly the same content-level identification of files for automated sorting. Founded by Sudhakar Muddu, formerly CEO of Sanera, which was acquired by McData Corp. (Nasdaq: MCDTA) for $102 million in 2003 (see McData Completes Sanera Acquisition), Kazeon plans to unveil itself and its product early in March. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, StoredIQ, which is aware of Kazeon as its potential rival, isn't stalling on getting its stake in the ground. A key strategy is to target potential customers with add-on software "lexicons" that enable the StoredIQ 3.0 appliance to work with specific vertical markets.

The first module, available now, will enable insurance companies and other healthcare businesses to find email and files containing specific terms and kinds of content related to meeting HIPAA requirements. Other lexicons will be released over time to help other vertical-market customers, like financial services companies looking to meet SEC requirements for storing data.