Phoenix, Ariz.-based distributor Avnet Inc. and Hopkinton, Mass.-based storage vendor EMC Corp. have teamed up to bring a new software-defined storage solution to market.
Developed by Avnet and powered by EMC’s IsilonSD Edge software-defined storage system, the solution seeks to help SMBs and enterprises equip remote and branch offices with scale-out, network-attached storage. The new offering integrates as well with EMC’s Isilon CloudPools software, which enables users to create an automated hybrid cloud storage environment by linking on-premises infrastructure either to public cloud solutions from providers such as Microsoft and Amazon or to private cloud resources.
In a bid to make implementing the new solution more affordable, Avnet designed it to run on industry-standard server hardware. It also utilizes Avnet’s consumption-based CapacityNow financial service, which allows businesses to purchase locally-deployed private cloud resources on a pay-as-you-go basis.
The new offering is an unusual departure for a major distributor like Avnet, which would more typically resell existing storage solutions rather than collaborate with vendors like EMC on new, jointly-created products.
“EMC selected Avnet to create new ways to bring IsilonSD Edge to market because of their proven ability to transform technology into true business solutions, easily and simply,” said Sam Grocott, senior vice president for marketing in EMC’s Emerging Technologies Division, in a press statement. “Avnet is a global company at the forefront of technology, and its scale and reach will enable us to quickly bring highly differentiated solutions based on our technology to market that address the unique business needs of our customers.”
According to Avnet, the new software-defined storage solution will initially be available in the U.S. and Canada.
