Pure Storage's latest arrays aim to broaden Flash data center deployments
Pure Storage is aiming to make its all-Flash storage arrays available to smaller enterprises with the launch of entry-level systems.
The company on Thursday launched two new FlashArrays to its FA-400 product line. The first one is an entry level system and the second one has more capacity than its predecessor. The company also launched a new version of its Purity operating software that adds recovery and replication technology.
Add it up and Pure Storage's Flash arrays are likely to move in on NetApp's midmarket turf. Meanwhile, NetApp is trying to move upmarket to compete with the likes of EMC, IBM and Hitachi. Pure is trying to play both sides of the customer spectrum as it aims to democratize Flash storage arrays because it doesn't have a traditional hard drive storage business to protect.
"Flash used to be the technology of the elite data centers, but we're bringing it to the entire environment," said Matt Kixmoeller, vice president of products at Pure Storage. "There is demand for smaller systems and we can go further down market. Flash storage vendors have been focused too much at the high end of the market."
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With the product launches, Pure Storage is hoping that its replication technology, a free add-on customers, will land it more Tier 1 storage accounts. The entry level system will serve as a building block for smaller companies.
Pure Storage recently another round of capital for $470 million raised to date. The company launched the following:
- FlashArray 405, a system for midmarket companies that can come with 40TB of usable space in a 1 unit controller. The array is designed for entry level racks. Pure's Purity 4.0 software will run the lower-end FlashArray with the same enterprise features.
- FlashArray 450 is a high capacity array that has 250TB of usable space in a 2 unit box. The system is expected to be used for virtualization and consolidation projects.
- Purity 4.0 has technology, called FlashRecover, to take snapshots of data and expanded protection features. FlashRecover will run on all Pure Storage systems. Policies for data protection are also included. The company also added data locking technology called FlashProtect.
The company said that the FA-405 and FA-450 are available now through channel partners and its operating system update will ship in June. Pricing starts at $3 to $4 per usable GB depending on configuration.