A Better Archive and Backup Deduplication Fit for VAR Solution Portfolios
Most VARs who have had success selling Data Domain systems over the last couple of years are feeling a bit uncomfortable right now: EMC has announced its official take-over of Data Domain. VARs have made a good living on Data Domain, contributing to Data Domain's success as having one of the best-selling, fastest-growing deduplication storage systems in the market. VARs are now feeling vulnerable to EMC's goodwill - or probable lack thereof.
EMC's goodwill is a commodity that is traditionally in short supply when it comes to its channel partners. As a result, more VARs believe they need an alternative solution to offer. Long perceived as a 'me-too' vendor in the backup deduplication space, FalconStor appears to be in the right place with its technology at the right time to capitalize on the gap in the channel market that EMC's recent acquisition of Data Domain creates.
First, some background on the current situation with EMC and Data Domain: EMC announced on Monday, July 20, that it has effective control of over 80% of Data Domain stock. So with EMC now officially taking control of Data Domain, EMC started talking publicly last week about what it intends to do with Data Domain. Its press release, press briefings, and blogs are full of their plans for Frank Slootman and team. Frank and Joe Tucci also published an open letter to customers and partners, which doesn't say much but "stay tuned as we progress." But anyone who reads these materials closely will note that one topic is notably missing: EMC's intentions for Data Domain's VARs.
So if previous history is any indicator, the likely outcome of this acquisition is that EMC will begin to escort Data Domain into their large enterprise accounts. The joint FAQ seems to indicate that this will happen. Meantime, VARs are on their own to decide what they will offer for a backup and archive deduplication solution for their clients.
Now, some details on why FalconStor might actually turn out to be an even BETTER fit for VAR solution portfolios than Data Domain: FalconStor has seen the light that Data Domain shone into the industry, and is packaging its software deduplication technology into standard product configurations that are simpler and easier to deploy - because it comes prepackaged for servers and storage.
The FalconStor TOTALLY Open software offers more features and better scalability than Data Domain, but has been too hard to purchase and deploy as compared to the Data Domain appliance approach. By combining FalconStor software with select hardware platforms - hopefully those which the VARs find most attractive to offer - FalconStor should be able to offer the best of all worlds.
Certainly, FalconStor's recent announced partnership with immixGroup to add its TOTALLY Open solutions to the partner's GSA schedule should encourage VARs selling to federal agencies, and to state and local government. The solutions added include FalconStor VTL with deduplication, CDP, and more.
Although packaged for hardware, FalconStor still offers customers the ability to purchase the servers and storage of their choice. This choice means that VARs need never again be vulnerable to the fate of a single storage vendor solution. FalconStor also works with virtually any backup or archive software, enabling VARs to position and sell any data management software with virtually any storage device in their portfolio. For VARs, this approach offers the ultimate mix and match of components from their portfolios, with at least the promise of better opportunities to maximize profit. VARs are also key to FalconStor's strategy of simplification for their customers, as only the VARs can make the combination of the hardware and software appear truly seamless for their customers.
EMC's goodwill is a commodity that is traditionally in short supply when it comes to its channel partners. As a result, more VARs believe they need an alternative solution to offer. Long perceived as a 'me-too' vendor in the backup deduplication space, FalconStor appears to be in the right place with its technology at the right time to capitalize on the gap in the channel market that EMC's recent acquisition of Data Domain creates.
First, some background on the current situation with EMC and Data Domain: EMC announced on Monday, July 20, that it has effective control of over 80% of Data Domain stock. So with EMC now officially taking control of Data Domain, EMC started talking publicly last week about what it intends to do with Data Domain. Its press release, press briefings, and blogs are full of their plans for Frank Slootman and team. Frank and Joe Tucci also published an open letter to customers and partners, which doesn't say much but "stay tuned as we progress." But anyone who reads these materials closely will note that one topic is notably missing: EMC's intentions for Data Domain's VARs.
So if previous history is any indicator, the likely outcome of this acquisition is that EMC will begin to escort Data Domain into their large enterprise accounts. The joint FAQ seems to indicate that this will happen. Meantime, VARs are on their own to decide what they will offer for a backup and archive deduplication solution for their clients.
Now, some details on why FalconStor might actually turn out to be an even BETTER fit for VAR solution portfolios than Data Domain: FalconStor has seen the light that Data Domain shone into the industry, and is packaging its software deduplication technology into standard product configurations that are simpler and easier to deploy - because it comes prepackaged for servers and storage.
The FalconStor TOTALLY Open software offers more features and better scalability than Data Domain, but has been too hard to purchase and deploy as compared to the Data Domain appliance approach. By combining FalconStor software with select hardware platforms - hopefully those which the VARs find most attractive to offer - FalconStor should be able to offer the best of all worlds.
Certainly, FalconStor's recent announced partnership with immixGroup to add its TOTALLY Open solutions to the partner's GSA schedule should encourage VARs selling to federal agencies, and to state and local government. The solutions added include FalconStor VTL with deduplication, CDP, and more.
Although packaged for hardware, FalconStor still offers customers the ability to purchase the servers and storage of their choice. This choice means that VARs need never again be vulnerable to the fate of a single storage vendor solution. FalconStor also works with virtually any backup or archive software, enabling VARs to position and sell any data management software with virtually any storage device in their portfolio. For VARs, this approach offers the ultimate mix and match of components from their portfolios, with at least the promise of better opportunities to maximize profit. VARs are also key to FalconStor's strategy of simplification for their customers, as only the VARs can make the combination of the hardware and software appear truly seamless for their customers.
Falconstor is definitely an alternative and a much better alternative would be an understatement!
www.phantomdatasystems.com