NetEx widens WAN optimization capabilities |
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By Beth Pariseau, Senior News Writer
24 Jun 2008 | SearchStorage.com |
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NetEx is planning to roll out a version of its WAN optimization software allowing online service providers to stream more data or take in larger data sets.
Bob MacIntyre, NetEx vice president of business development and marketing, said HyperPipe will be available late this year. The bandwidth optimization application will be targeted at Internet service providers and digital media delivery providers looking to provide online backup for midsized or large environments, or high-definition video streaming.
The HyperPipe software would cut down on the chatter, retransmits and other communications noise at the TCP layer, similar to the way NetEx's HyperIP enterprise-level product works. NetEx claims to be able to provide a 10-time increase of end-to-end throughput, based on beta tests. NetEx declined to name. "We can also fill the pipe to a high utilization, up to 90%," MacIntyre said.
HyperPipe runs at both ends of the wire, so a module would have to be preinstalled on cable boxes or PCs, or sent to end users as part of their signup with a storage service provider.
NetEx has been optimizing TCP traffic over WAN for more than 20 years. Its HyperIP series of appliances for optimizing replication and data migration traffic in high-end storage shops was certified in May with EMC's SRDF and RecoverPoint replication applications.
HyperIP's track record will give NetEx credibility in a market space that may or may not see a need for HyperPipe, according to analyst Anne MacFarland, Clipper Group. "NetEx has been around for a while -- they were spun off StorageTek. They're not a Johnny-come-lately, which should help their case," she said.
However, such adoption is obviously dependent on further adoption of SaaS services in applications ranging from movie rentals to online backup, she said. However, "It all depends on whether there's a perceived need," MacFarland said. "I think there is, but it depends on the rest of the market."
Large telecom companies and service providers, such as Comcast and Verizon, are increasingly investing in fatter pipes. Verizon's FiOS Fibre to the home typically offers 50 Mbps or more of throughput natively. HyperPipe is being marketed to smaller companies as an alternative to that kind of wide-scale, expensive upgrade. MacIntyre won't rule out one of the big players as a target though because HyperPipe optimizes the TCP protocol regardless of bandwidth.
Another potential partner for HyperPipe is EMC, which uses seeding devices for uploads and large restores for its Mozy online backup service. EMC did not respond to a request for comment about whether HyperPipe might be qualified with its products.
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