Enterprise storage solutions evolve to manage big data explosion

In what is set to be a big leap forward in storage solutions designed for this so-called big data era, HP's new StoreServ 7000 series is replacing existing technology that is between 15 to 25 years out of date - the equivalent of a Windows 8 replacing the vintage 3.1 operating system.

Middle East business are wasting up to 70% of their data storage spend on capacity that is not actually being used due to inefficiencies in the software being able to utilise the arrays, while administrators work across varied systems for primary storage, backup and data analytics - this creates a rigid infrastructure quite out of place in an age of flexibility.

As part of their 'Converged Storage' concept, the innovations are also centered on simplifying storage infrastructure to respond to unpredictable demands.

Storage is a double-edged sword for businesses of all sizes, being both a growing consideration, and yet a powerful opportunity. Prevalent issues such as capacity and security are coupled with the immense insights now available through data mining and analytics.

Vast quantities of data, which were once not useful, are now made valuable through breakthroughs in analytics and new solutions are speeding up the processing of stored data to a point where flexible analytics are being made affordable to SMEs and smaller business.

The market for this type of storage is worth $11bn, known as mid-tier because of the types of array used. AMEinfo spoke to Executive Vice President of HP's Enterprise Group, Dave Donatelli, following the announcement.

"The reason why this announcement is such a big jump is due to how complex storage had become. We all know information is exploding and the industry has reacted by designing different products and operating systems to deal with different issue," he said.

"Every time you do that, agility is reduced, complexity goes up costs increase because you need more personnel and training."

The ability to scale up storage- being able to move from mid-tier storage to high end solutions without switching out hardware or software - is indeed a unique proposition.

"Customers are looking for agility, simplicity and cost reduction. No matter what business you run and wherever you are in the world, what people want out of agility is speed. We're addressing those needs and today's announcement is a part of that," continued Donatelli.

Ahead of its 9,000 strong annual conference, HP Discover, the Palo Alto headquarted tech titan showcased new additions to their storage portfolio to 200 members of the press, including the 3PAR StoreServ 7000, StoreAll and StoreOnce. With Middle East firms notoriously clinging onto tape for backup, such innovations should provide another nudge to enter the fray, gaining business intelligence from their stored data.