i365 Launches EVault Cloud-Connected Services Platform

The Seagate company is making its hybrid cloud storage platform available to independent software vendors. Look for the first backup vendors to start using the platform to enable cloud-connected backups within a few months, with more following next year.The new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform uses encryption, deduplication, compression, and bandwidth management to help ISVs securely and efficiently send data to the cloud so they can offer hybrid cloud and local storage and backup options. Cloud APIs, cloud storage (10 enterprise-class data centers), a service connector to transfer objects to/from the cloud (with encryption, deduplication, and bandswidth management), and SaaS business and support systems (pricing and billing management) are designed to help ISVs get the cloud-based storage and backup services to market quickly.

In a statement, Laura DuBois, IDC's research director for Storage Software, said, "Cloud-based storage offerings are making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to expand and manage their IT infrastructure without the added upfront investments in storage infrastructure, and human capital. I365's EVault Cloud-Connected Services Platform will enable ISVs to offer their customers a cloud-based option without having to re-architect their applications."

Terry Cunningham, senior vice president and general manager of i365 , told InformationWeek SMB that "SMBs want to back up and restore their data quickly, but also want an offsite version in case the whole premesis goes up in smoke." But it's really hard to build, he added. "Now it will be easier," he claimed, either as a built-in feature or as an add-on product at extra cost.

According to Cunningham, CA's ARCServe Backup and C2C ArchiveOne are already in development on the platform, and should have their first products using it on the market in a few months, Cunningham said. Other ISVs are expected to follow in 2011.

As these services become available, Cunningham said, SMBs may see the services branded as i365, or as coming from the ISV.

More From InformationWeek SMB:New Hybrid Storage And Backup Options From i365 And CTERA Networksi365 Launches EVault "Plug-n-Protect" Appliance

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