Model9 Integrated with Pure Storage to Modernize Mainframes

Model9 Ltd. announced a global joint solution with Pure Storage, Inc., to change the way mainframe enterprises are managing their mission critical data. 

The joint solution will address the market need for a consolidated cloud-based data protection and data management solution for mainframe, which is currently limited to legacy storage solutions in the mainframe environment that keep data siloed and inaccessible to cloud services. 

It delivers modern data management, rapid recovery at petabyte scale, and ransomware protection, and enables the integration of mainframe data with AI, ML, and analytics services via object storage.

While Model9 Manager performs backup, archiving, space management, and DR directly from the mainframe to Pure Storage’s FlashBlade, a unified fast file and object (UFFO) storage solution, Model9 Shield creates multiple copies of the data onto FlashBlade and ensures they are protected. In addition, the resulting data is compressed and encrypted end-to-end, enabling organizations to air-gap the data – the process of isolating an additional copy from the network to eliminate potential cyberattack exposure. In the case of an attack, data can be restored rapidly due to the backup and restore performance and functionality of FlashBlade combined with Model9’s ability to reduce backup and restore elapsed time and increase throughput respectively. Once the data is stored onto FlashBlade, it can be transformed with Model9 Gravity to any open format without consuming expensive mainframe CPU. AI, ML, and analytics applications can then leverage both current and historical mainframe data to derive better business insights.

Additionally, with Pure Storage’s Evergreen architecture, mainframe customers can take advantage of non-disruptive upgrades.

“With more and more mainframe customers embracing cloud, and 80% of the world’s business data still held in mainframes, it is imperative that companies find a way to integrate their most valuable, mission-critical data with AI/ML and analytics applications while making sure the data is well protected,” says Gil Peleg, CEO, Model9. “The Pure Storage and Model9 joint solution allows customers to create a hybrid environment that will enable them to enjoy the best of both worlds, while ensuring business continuity”.

“Historically, mainframes have been isolated islands of data with limited connectivity to the services and applications in modern data centers. The joint Model9 and Pure Storage solution modernizes the mainframe with connectivity to open systems platforms, enabling modern, cloud-like economics and application workflows, and bringing a more effective data consumption model to enterprise customers”, says Chad Monteith, principal architect, field solutions and strategy, office of the CTO, Pure Storage. 

The 2 companies will co-sell the joint solution though SIs and resellers in USA and globally.