Seagate Supports Microsoft Open CloudServer Specification V2

Seagate Technology plc announced support for Microsoft’s Open CloudServer specification version 2.

The specification will include new performance enhancements and expand the management software code provided to the open source community, including new deployment and diagnostics functions. The enhanced specification will also simplify deployment while enabling flexibility and lowering implementation costs.

“Enterprises today want the business advantages and economic models of cloud computing, but current cloud infrastructures must evolve to keep up with these growing demands,” said Wes Perdue, Seagate’s director of global cloud storage. “Open software and hardware architectures are critical to the evolution of cloud computing, and that’s why we are committed to working with Microsoft to optimize storage devices to support the latest version of Open CloudServer.“

“We’re excited about the industry momentum that’s gathering behind the Open Compute Project, and how our partners are supporting the Open CloudServer v2 design in their product roadmaps,” said Kushagra Vaid, GM of the cloud server infrastructure group, Microsoft Corp. “Seagate is a critical partner in our efforts to deliver high-performance, cost-effective server designs that the entire industry can consume, and in so doing reap the benefits of cloud computing.“

Open CloudServer version 2 will allow for improvements to storage solutions while enabling changes to match the dynamic cloud environment. The specification will help optimize storage solutions for large web-scale deployments by allowing for greater flexibility while reducing complexity. Costs of storage solutions can also be reduced through the elimination of cabling as the power management is distributed through the backplane. These improvements are part of an ongoing movement towards optimization in cost, performance and implementation of cloud infrastructures.

The Open CloudServer specification is part of continuing work that Seagate and Microsoft participate in to share cloud technologies and experiences with the Open Compute Project industry group. The group collaborates to define and promote open source standards for cloud computing. The goal is to help cloud builders develop more customizable solutions using open platforms while reducing operating costs and providing benefits for consumers.

The Open Compute Project is a community of more than 150 companies who are committed to building cloud architecture based on open source software and open standards including Microsoft, Rackspace, Red Hat, AT&T, Cisco, HP, and Dell. As a member of the organization, Seagate will lend its expertise helping to optimize open hardware and software systems to take advantage of its storage technology.