Incipient, Inc., the leading provider of network-based storage virtualization software, announced today that it has joined the HP Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) Partner Program. The Incipient Network Storage Platform(TM) (iNSP(TM)) software suite is now certified with HP StorageWorks Enterprise Virtual Arrays. Additionally, Incipient and HP have formed a cooperative support agreement allowing iNSP to be installed in HP-supported storage area network (SAN) environments.
"A platform in which data is truly mobile is an ILM strategy cornerstone for successfully creating a flexible and efficient data center," said Robert Infantino, senior vice president of marketing and alliances, Incipient, Inc. "Our strengthened relationship with HP is another step in our commitment to deliver best-in-class solutions that will help customers minimize cost and capitalize on existing storage investments."
Unlike appliance-based storage virtualization solutions, iNSP software resides on network-based switches such as the Cisco MDS 9000 Series of intelligent FC switches with the 32-Port Storage Services Module (SSM).
This architecture eliminates the need for customers to implement and manage additional devices to deploy their storage virtualization solutions. Incipient's cooperative support agreement with HP includes coverage for SAN
hardware such as Cisco switches and SSMs, HP StorageWorks arrays and HBAs distributed by HP or any of its channel partners. HP customers that install iNSP solutions will continue to benefit from the quick response and
exceptional customer service currently provided under existing HP support agreements.
"Incipient's unique, network-based software approach to storage virtualization is exactly what enterprise customers' desire as they look to embrace ILM strategies and reduce complexities in their environment," said Marc Staimer, President, Dragon Slayer Consulting.
iNSP provides non-disruptive data mobility to a SAN environment - a key building block for ILM strategies. The iNSP suite provides a common set of storage services enabling users to efficiently and effectively perform
storage management tasks such as data migration within a SAN. With patented technology, iNSP insulates hosts from the changes made at the storage array level. New virtual volumes can be created and expanded, new storage arrays can be added and data migrated between older and new storage arrays without disruption to hosts or applications.