Comment Quantum's disk plus tape storage software, StorNext, is set to have cloud functionality added to it.

Apparently StorNext is a bit of a cash cow for Quantum, and there are substantial development plans for it. It's used to provide the file system inside the DXi deduplication systems and so is deeply involved with Quantum's future, as it and the DXi are the main drivers of future Quantum revenues.

Our information is that Quantum will add cloud storage to StorNext such that its users will access three pools of storage; disk arrays, tape libraries and cloud, with the three being aggregated by StorNext to provide a homogenous storage pool to its users. There will also be functionality to move data between these three tiers of storage.

We expect that the cloud part of this will be provided by a partner or partners if a standard cloud access API exists when this major release of StorNext comes out. With StorNext providing the file system for DXi systems, there is a possibility of a cloud angle to the DXi boxes in the future.

We hear that StorNext has a good presence in the media market but that IBM is extending its channel reach there with GPFS and Data Direct storage trays. Apparently IBM is going to add Mac client support for GPFS which will, one commentator said, likely hurt Quantum. ®