Storage Virtualization to Emerge as a Critical Competitive Battleground, IDC User Survey Reveals

Business Wire, Dec 6, 2006

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Over the next five years, storage virtualization in all its forms will emerge as a critical competitive battleground in the storage industry, according to a new study based on IDC's Storage Virtualization Survey. These technologies will drive changes in storage system architectures, spur significant investments in new storage software solutions, and potentially disrupt the current competitive environment.

"Storage virtualization has come of age. It's no longer a nascent market with limited user deployments and immature technology. Forty-nine percent of those surveyed are evaluating storage virtualization solutions, and 34% have already implemented such a solution," said Laura DuBois, research director for Storage Software at IDC.

"Our survey respondents' high level of interest reflects the growing role that file-centric applications have in many companies," added Richard Villars, vice president of Storage Systems at IDC. "Given current data-generation trends, file virtualization will emerge as an even more critical market for storage solutions providers."

The new IDC study, Storage Virtualization Comes of Age, Following Server Virtualization (IDC #204175) examines awareness of and interest in storage virtualization of end-users from midsize, large, and very large firms in different vertical industries. The study also explores time frame for purchasing, products and vendors in use or planned, and packaging and distribution preferences are explored. This study accomplishes the following:

* It quantifies current and planned adoption of storage virtualization by vendor, product, capacity, and overall configuration

* It uncovers a connection between server and storage virtualization

* It investigates barriers to and drivers for adoption of storage virtualization

To purchase this document, call IDC's Sales hotline at 508-988-7988 or email sales@idc.com.

About IDC

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. Over 850 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends. For more than 42 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives. IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world's leading technology media, research, and events company. You can learn more about IDC by visiting www.idc.com.

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.