TwinStrata CloudArray 4.7 Simplifies DR and Testing

TwinStrata, Inc. unveiled the latest release of its CloudArray software, which gives customers the ability to access production snapshots of their data remotely.

Coupled with new accelerated cache reload capabilities, the release simplifies DR and testing.

CloudArray 4.7 also provides improved encryption key protection, integrated support for Cleversafe, Inc.‘s dsNet dispersed storage technology  and support for Keystone authentication for OpenStack platforms.

Simplified DR Testing for All Environments
In May, TwinStrata introduced CloudArray DR as a Service (DRaaS), which provides on-demand DR for VMware environments. CloudArray 4.7 extends that capability, enabling organizations to easily test their DR plans by providing access to in-cloud, production snapshots of their data from a secondary CloudArray. As a result, customers can conduct fire drills without shutting down their primary site, streamlining the process and reducing the impact of such tests on day-to-day operations.

The new capability works with TwinStrata’s CloudArray DRaaS, as well as all supported cloud compute environments. Organizations can also use the new capability to access production snapshots at a remote physical location. Snapshots can also be used for non-DR purposes for organizations that wish to conduct online analytics on the data.

Accelerated Cache Reload for Performance
As organizations become more sophisticated in their use of cloud-integrated storage, many come across situations that result in an empty onsite cache, reducing performance. The new release of CloudArray includes the ability to accelerate the population of the cache with data from the cloud, thereby minimizing inherent cloud latency and improving overall performance.

In the event of a disaster test, for example, this feature can enhance performance for the failed over volumes, reducing the time required to test or get backup and running following a disaster.

Improved Platform Support and Security
CloudArray 4.7 also contains added features to improve overall security and compliance with such regulations as HIPAA. CloudArray has always included encryption technologies to ensure the security of cloud-based data. As part of that security, encryption keys are stored outside of the cloud storage. With this release, encryption keys held in the TwinStrata portal in the event of a disaster are password-encrypted as well, thereby further restricting access to the data and preventing either intentional or accidental unauthorized access to the encryption keys.

In keeping with TwinStrata’s focus on providing customers choice and flexibility, CloudArray 4.7 also supports Cleversafe’s dsNet object storage platform, as well as authentication using OpenStack’s Keystone technology.

"Traditional DR plans suffer from three distinct challenges: high costs, long recovery times and complex testing," said Nicos Vekiarides, CEO, TwinStrata. "CloudArray cloud-integrated storage addresses each of these directly, making DR affordable, manageable and simple."

Pricing and Availability
TwinStrata CloudArray 4.7 will be available in September. Available as a monthly subscription, CloudArray includes the CloudArray software license, 24x7x365 support and TwinStrata’s CloudArray DRaaS.

CloudArray Cloud Storage Subscription bundles all of the above with the cost of cloud storage and all transfer fees for a monthly cost of $0.19/GB. This option is for organizations that wish for an all-in-one solution.

TwinStrata’s Bring Your Own cloud (BYOC) CloudArray Subscription starts at $500 per month and includes everything but the cloud storage. Organizations who wish to have their own relationship with a cloud storage vendor should select this option.