Cloudmark Deploying Nimbus Data Flash Array

Nimbus Data Systems, Inc., announced that Cloudmark, Inc., in messaging threat protection for communication service providers, has deployed its Gemini all-flash array to power its virtualization infrastructure for its most business-critical applications.

With Nimbus Data’s Gemini all-flash array and Brocade VDX 6700 switches, Cloudmark is positioned to reduce its data center footprint to save $500,000 in annual operating cost, achieving complete return on its Nimbus Data investment in under six months.

“During our evaluation, Nimbus Data far surpassed the competition in terms of performance, rack space efficiency and the ROI achieved,” said Ryan White, VP of operations, Cloudmark. “The Nimbus Data Gemini all-flash array produced astounding performance results and enabled us to capitalize on network convergence by supporting FCoE out-of-the-box, simplifying our environment considerably.“

Cloudmark builds messaging security software that protects communications service provider networks and their subscribers against a wide range of messaging threats. Cloudmark Security Platform delivers instant security and control across diverse messaging environments, enabling communications service providers to create a safe user experience, protect revenue and safeguard their brand, while streamlining infrastructure and reducing operational costs.

While Cloudmark had already virtualized hundreds of its physical servers, 25% of its application servers remained on dedicated hardware for performance reasons. With each application server currently using its own dedicated storage, virtualizing Cloudmark’s crown jewels would demand a storage solution that exceeds the collective performance and capacity of the existing hardware. That demanded a solution that could accommodate tens of thousands of IO/s and nearly 20TB of capacity, as well as consistent low latency.

Before selecting Nimbus Data, Cloudmark ran head-to-head comparisons against competing all-flash arrays, hybrid storage arrays, and even big-name disk arrays loaded with cache. When the dust settled, Cloudmark chose Nimbus Data. Delivering 250,000 IO/s per 8GB FC connection, the Gemini all-flash array outpaced competing offerings.

The compact, efficient and fault-tolerant Gemini design occupied the least rack space and required the least amount of energy as well, ensuring the lowest operating cost. Cloudmark realized further cost savings by using FCoE to connect its servers to the Gemini all-flash array via Brocade VDX 6700 switches. Using Ethernet on its VMware hosts leveraged Cloudmark’s existing infrastructure and IT team skillset, enabling Cloudmark to avoid additional capital investment and IT training.

“Data center costs matter, and Cloudmark’s selection of Nimbus Data’s Gemini array demonstrates the compelling ROI possible with all-flash technology,” stated Thomas Isakovich, CEO and founder, Nimbus Data. “Cloudmark’s deployment of our Gemini array is a great example of how a full-featured all-flash system can dramatically improve bottom-line results. The unmatched performance combined with the multiprotocol support of our Gemini array has enabled Cloudmark to future-proof their virtualized infrastructure, far extending the ROI for years to come.“

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