CommVault helps channel deliver easy cloud data storage

Data management specialist, CommVault has launched a new module for its Simpana data management software that will allow channel partners to quickly offer cloud based storage through large datacentre owners, including Amazon and Microsoft.

According to Simon Gregory, EMEA business development manager for CommVault, “We are the first large vendor to do this,” claiming its cloud storage connector allows channel partners to offer end customers a quick and hassle-free method of utilising low cost “far-line” storage without any integration or compatibility issues.

CommVault’s flagship product includes modules for backup, deduplication, archiving and e-discovery now allows data to be stored and retrieved from “online disk targets” using REST over HTTP technology using any standard internet connection.

Datacentre partners

Initially these cloud repositories will include Amazon, Microsoft (Azure) and Nirvanix. However Gregory states that the firm is actively looking for more datacentre partners, especially regional organisations that may satisfy the legal requirements customers face regarding where sensitive data can be held. Gregory believes that archive and compliance data will be the initial sweet spot for offloading to cheaper cloud-based storage. 

CommVault will sell the new module entirely through its channel partners using its current per-terabyte capacity licensing model. Customers can mix and match which data they store locally or via a cloud. Customers are also charged by datacentre providers based on varying formulas of capacity, retention period, upload and download capacity. The Simpana software will still build and retain local index files for data held both on-cloud and onsite to allow faster retrieval and to help with e-discovery activities.

Revenues

Although the choice of cloud storage provider is ultimately in the hands of end clients, Gregory believes that CommVault partners have the potential to strike referral agreements with datacentre owners to generate either one-off or recurring revenue streams. He envisages a structure of wholesale and retail agreements arranged directly between partners with large client rosters and datacentre owners desperate to fill capacity.

CommVault is the first large data management vendor to offer a “target agnostic” cloud solution and Gregory hinted that the firm would be adding a number of larger datacentre owners to the list supported providers. Firms such as Rackspace and Dell, both major CommVault OEM customers, could be potential partners although Gregory would not formally confirm either.

Although Gregory talked about the need to recruit more datacentre providers, CommVault's channel community has shrunk from 118 partners to 48 over the last two years. Gregory believes the firm is more selective and needed to reduce its footprint to avoid “flooding the market”. The new module is available now thorough distributors including Avnet and CMS.