Recently, Pure Storage announced an array of innovative products and features during its Accelerate roadshow, with a focus on simplifying data management and enhancing efficiency. The roadshow is set to continue on October 29 in Melbourne, Australia, where attendees can experience these offerings firsthand.
The announcements made during this event are part of a broader strategy to provide flexible and scalable storage solutions to businesses grappling with complex data environments. Amy Rushall, Area Vice President for Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the company’s commitment to growth in the region, stating, “Our continued growth is a testament to the strength of our platform.” She pointed out that Pure Storage is dedicated to helping customers navigate the complexities of modern data management by offering a unified storage-as-a-service solution that meets diverse needs.
Addressing Modern Data Challenges: Real-time Enterprise File
One particularly striking highlight from the roadshow was the unveiling of Real-time Enterprise File. Mark Jobbins, Chief Technology Officer, articulated the limitations organizations face with traditional file storage, particularly in sectors reliant on high-speed applications like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics.
“Legacy file storage often forces organisations into rigid silos that can’t adjust to dynamic business changes,” Jobbins explained. The introduction of Real-time Enterprise File aims to mitigate these issues by providing enhanced agility across storage pools. This innovation is facilitated through Pure Fusion, an orchestration layer that automates how workloads are placed and resources are allocated across various storage arrays.
Businesses can now maximize their resources in real-time without the burden of complex planning, thus increasing efficiency.
Revolutionizing Data Management: Zero Move Tiering
In addition to the file storage innovations, Pure Storage introduced Zero Move Tiering, a groundbreaking feature that allows data to remain within the same platform. This technology dynamically allocates resources between hot (frequently accessed) and cold (infrequently accessed) data tiers without the need to physically move data.
Jobbins remarked, “We don’t think traditional tiering methods make sense anymore.” This approach enables organizations to adjust performance dynamically, ensuring they benefit from high-performance storage for critical data, while also maintaining cost-effective solutions for less active data. Reducing operational errors and minimizing disruptions are key benefits of this industry-first feature, as it consolidates data management onto a single platform.
Expanding the FlashBlade Product Line
Pure Storage also revealed the expansion of its FlashBlade lineup with new models—S100, S200, and S500. These additions provide users with a more accessible entry point while allowing for seamless scalability as requirements grow. The flexibility inherent in FlashBlade’s Evergreen architecture supports non-disruptive upgrades, facilitating easier transitions as businesses evolve.
The S100 model in particular has been designed with smaller organizations in mind, which may require a more economical approach as they scale. This flexibility is crucial for companies that seek to grow their infrastructure without having to invest in completely new systems, thus saving on cost and reducing disruptions in operations.
Universal Credits: A New Paradigm in Financial Flexibility
Pure Storage’s introduction of Universal Credits marks a revolution in financial management for enterprises. This feature allows businesses to purchase a pool of credits that can be dynamically allocated across various storage services, liberating them from rigid subscription models.
“Universal Credits are a game-changer for customers,” Jobbins stated, explaining that it equips businesses to allocate resources based on immediate needs rather than long-term contracts. This flexible approach has gained traction in Australia and New Zealand, allowing companies to reduce upfront costs and enjoy predictable billing cycles while consuming storage as a service.
AI and VMware Enhancements
The roadshow also showcased advancements in AI and VMware offerings. Pure Storage introduced the Generative AI Copilot, integrated into its management suite, which allows users to gain insights using natural language queries. This innovation reduces the burden on IT teams—particularly valuable for organizations with varying skill levels within their teams—as it enables them to access crucial system performance information quickly.
Additionally, Pure Storage launched VM Assessment features to help manage VMware environments effectively. This tool equips users with improved visibility into their VMware fleets connected to Pure Storage arrays, thus enabling informed decision-making amid uncertainties regarding VMware’s future.
Focusing on Sustainability
With an increasing emphasis on sustainability, Pure Storage announced that its Direct Flash Modules have now doubled in capacity, from 75 TB to 150 TB, with future plans for 300 TB modules. This allows for more efficient data storage within a reduced physical space, translating into lower energy and cooling demands in data centers.
“Our Direct Flash Modules are transforming how our customers manage data sustainably,” Jobbins noted. By consolidating data, companies can significantly reduce their energy and carbon footprints, aligning operational needs with environmental responsibility.
As the Accelerate roadshow progresses to Melbourne, Pure Storage is poised to provide deeper insights into these innovations, which are essential for businesses looking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
With these advancements, Pure Storage clearly positions itself as a leader in the storage solutions market, offering tools designed to help organizations thrive in the face of increasing data demands and complexities.
