File Virtualization And Data Mobility Provider AutoVirt Releases New Solution

AutoVirt, a provider of file virtualization and data mobility solutions, announced the general availability of AutoVirt software version 3.5.

The vendor said the solution features new assessment functionality and ease-of-deployment enhancements that enable fast and accurate file data migration planning and execution. AutoVirt v3.5 enhancements include comprehensive assessment capability, the ability to discover and classify all file data across heterogeneous file storage environments (file age, type, size, location, and owner), the ability to identify opportunities for data center optimization (i.e., tiering, consolidation, capacity balancing, archiving, etc...) and to identify migration obstacles (i.e., file access, ACL errors).

IT organizations have been struggling for years to overcome the challenges associated with managing the explosive growth of their file data storage environments, AutoVirt noted in a release.

Traditionally, the path of least resistance has been to over-provision data storage assets - in other words, over-buy storage capacity. This tactic alleviated the need for IT management to try to separate business critical from non-business critical data.

However, it also led to excessive capital and operational expenses. More recently, organizations have sought solutions that enable them to fully optimize their storage environments.

The goal has become to keep business-critical production data on higher performing assets, while moving non-business-critical files to less expensive platforms. Unfortunately, recent industry research indicates that data migration initiatives - whether managed by a vendor, service provider, or the end user IT organization - run over time and/or budget as much as 90% - 100% of the time, according to AutoVirt.

"The idea of cleaning up your storage environment is not unlike cleaning up your closet," said Deni Connor, founder and principal analyst, Storage Strategies-NOW (www.ssg-now.com). "You might want to keep all your winter clothes in your closet right now, move your summer clothes to longer term storage in the basement, and get rid of those items you will most definitely never wear again. But, before you can do any of that, you need to understand what is taking up all that space."

She continued: "Simply put, AutoVirt v3.5 will enable users to clean-up their file data environment by first helping them to understand exactly what is taking up all that storage space. Only then can an end user or service provider drive a truly efficient and effective file data tiering and migration strategy, in order to fully optimize a file data storage environment." Melanie Rodier has worked as a print and broadcast journalist for over 10 years, covering business and finance, general news, and film trade news. Prior to joining Wall Street & Technology in April 2007, Melanie lived in Paris, where she worked for the International Herald ... View Full Bio