The VAR Guy

FalconStor has launched the latest update to its data protection portfolio, simply named Version 7. The latest iteration is an upgrade that adds “next-generation” features for backup and recovery solutions. I spoke to Mike DiMeglio, director of product marketing at FalconStor, about the new enhancements and what it means for FalconStor channel partners …

FalconStor Version 7 is built around the needs for high availability, virtualization deployments and large scalable storage needs. In addition to the backup, deduplication and data recovery tools, Version 7 comes equipped with:

• Optimization and migration for legacy backup systems
• Support for heterogenous data centers
• Support for vSphere VMware vStorage APIs
• Virtual Tape Library for “very high-performance deduplication” with added visibility on the data
• FalconStor Continuous Data Protector, which now allows each storage volume 1,000 snapshots for recovery

These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg of this massive update, which also includes better compression and encryption methods. DiMeglio noted Version 7 is truly different from past upgrades …

“We’re not just cleaning code, we’re adding enhancements and functionality [to differentiate] in the industry. We put a really focused effort into [Version 7] with a multi-pass beta release over the last three months. All of our products [can now] fundamentally build a foundation for next generation … data protection,” he said.

Version 7 is available now, but the price tag on the upgrade varies. FalconStor’s official statement regarding Version 7:

… as a major release, V7 upgrades are covered under an annual software assurance program that covers all major upgrades for an annualized fee equivalent to 3 percent of invoice of the currently installed product …

DiMeglio also discussed the channel implications of the upgrade. “A real enhancement for the VAR, is the ability … to go out and grow their business [with Version 7].” In the past, DiMeglio said, VARs many not have had as obvious a value-add path for existing customers, but now, “[Version 7 allows VARs to] grow existing customers … and incorporate all the file solutions that are in the company.”

Check out the full product list that supports Version 7 here.

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