Fusion-io snaps up storage management software firm ID7

Flash storage vendor Fusion-io has acquired UK storage management software firm ID7.

Fusion-io is expected to use the acquisition to bolster performance of its flash-based storage platform. Terms of the deal have not be disclosed.

"Anybody building a storage array today is likely using Linux and they are also likely using SCST stack at the heart of the system," Fusion-io chief executive, David Flynn, told V3.

The SCST stack is an open source platform that handles the processing of commands that comes into a datacentre's network. Use of the stack is common for datacentre servers running a Linux operating system.

ID7's SCST stack solution is open-sourced. Fusion-io reports that it will continue to offer the stack as an open-sourced solution going forward.

"The world has been evolving towards open source software. If you look at the datacentre now, I'd say half of the datacentres out their now running an open source operating system. So the world is evolving towards more open architecture over time." continued Flynn.

While the SCST stack is open-source, firms looking to license the stack for commercial purposes still were required to pay a fee to ID7. Following the firm's purchase, those interested in licensing the platform for commercial use will pay fees to Fusion-io.

"If you are building a commercial enterprise grade storage system leveraging Linux you are likely using the SCST stack and if you are using the SCST stack you are likely licensing it from ID7, who built it in the first place," said Flynn.

"So although SCST is open source if you want to use it in a commercialised form you need to license it."

Along with the ability to profit off of the use of ID7 technologies, Fusion-io will also be able to use the ID7 team and tech to advance performance of its flash-based storage systems.

"Having the SCST stack that is processing the data that is coming through the network - having that talk directly to Fusion-io memory - allows us to go faster than any other custom appliances on the market," continued Flynn.

Fusion-io is a flash storage vendor that works to offer software-defined storage systems for the datacentre. Flynn says the move towards software defined systems help remove the need for large proprietary systems inside the datacentre.

"We are transforming storage systems from proprietary boxes with custom bent sheet metal to where storage based systems are defined solely by the software it is running," added Flynn.