Bytes and Boxes: The 32 Best Storage Virtualization Software of 2024
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12 Best Storage Virtualization Software Shortlist
After a thorough evaluation, here's my shortlist of the very best storage virtualization software:
- AWS Glue - Best for automated ETL jobs and data cataloging
- SAP Hana Cloud - Best for real-time analytics and transactional processing
- IBM Netezza Performance Server - Best for high-speed, petabyte-scale analytics
- 45Drives - Best for large-scale storage solutions on open-source platforms
- StorMagic - Best for edge computing storage requirements
- Citrix DaaS - Best for businesses seeking secure remote desktop solutions
- Amazon EC2 - Best for scalable computing capacity in the cloud
- ConnectWise Automate - Best for IT asset management and automation
- Evolve IP - Best for unified communication and workspace solutions
- Cameyo - Best for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solutions
- Workspot - Best for cloud-native VDI, DaaS, and workstations
- Inuvika OVD Enterprise - Best for multi-platform remote application access
In my line of work, I've come across all sorts of storage virtualization software. These tools deal with arrays of storage infrastructure, using iSCSI protocols for efficient connectivity and optimization strategies that involve tiering, deduplication, and thin provisioning to manage a vast file system.
They also focus on incorporating server virtualization into your NAS systems and creating a cohesive storage pool that admins can readily manipulate.
The primary benefits include enhanced efficiency and flexibility in your storage infrastructure, along with a significant reduction in overhead costs. Essentially, it's about making the most out of your storage capacity and avoiding the common pitfalls that can affect your data's safety and accessibility.
We all know the pain points: managing sprawling storage arrays, struggling with downtime, and dealing with the restrictions of physical servers. But, thanks to storage virtualization technology, we can turn these challenges into opportunities. And I'm here to help you find the solution that best fits your needs.
What is Storage Virtualization Software?
Storage virtualization software represents a key technology for IT professionals, data managers, and enterprises. Essentially, it provides a mechanism to abstract the physical characteristics of storage resources, pooling them into what appears as a single storage device that's managed from a central console. This technology proves instrumental in enhancing storage capacity, optimizing resource utilization, and simplifying storage management.
A range of users, from small businesses to multinational corporations, employ storage virtualization software to handle large volumes of data efficiently. They use it for various purposes, such as data backup and recovery, efficient data migration, improving system speed, and ensuring uninterrupted business operations. Its strategic use can dramatically transform an organization's data storage strategy, providing a competitive edge in an era of Big Data.
Overviews of the 12 Best Storage Virtualization Software
1. AWS Glue - Best for automated ETL jobs and data cataloging
AWS Glue stands as an ETL service that autonomously prepares data for analytics. This tool connects, collects, and organizes data from different sources, delivering it to your data store.
Why I Picked AWS Glue:
In my process of selecting tools, AWS Glue caught my attention because of its robust automation capabilities. This service does most of the heavy lifting, which is crucial for ETL processes. I picked AWS Glue as it offers an automated, serverless ETL service, and for anyone needing to catalog and prepare data, this feature makes it a significant standout.
I believe it's best for automated ETL jobs and data cataloging due to its capacity to discover and catalog metadata, transforming it into a format ready for analytics.
Standout features & integrations:
AWS Glue offers useful features like data preparation, automated schema discovery, and AWS management console for scheduling and running ETL jobs. Additionally, it provides a visual interface for ETL operations which simplifies the process. It integrates with a range of Amazon services, including Amazon S3, Amazon RDS, Amazon Redshift, and other data stores.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $0.44 per DPU-Hour (Data Processing Unit Hour). Costs may vary based on the complexity and volume of data processed.
Pros:
- High automation level, reducing manual effort
- Scales to meet job demands
- Robust integration with other AWS services
Cons:
- Can be complex for beginners
- Pricing can be unpredictable due to the 'pay as you go' model
- Less suited for smaller workloads due to cost structure
2. SAP Hana Cloud - Best for real-time analytics and transactional processing
SAP Hana Cloud, a data management suite from SAP, is purpose-built to deliver lightning-fast insights from structured and unstructured data. The tool empowers users with real-time analytics capabilities and ensures speedy transactional processing.
Why I Picked SAP Hana Cloud:
My judgment swayed towards SAP Hana Cloud when considering tools that offer high-speed analytics and transactional processing. It distinguishes itself with in-memory technology, offering superior performance over traditional databases.
I identified SAP Hana Cloud as best for real-time analytics and transactional processing because of its ability to perform complex queries and transactions in record time, a quality that businesses with real-time data needs will find crucial.
Standout features & integrations:
SAP Hana Cloud showcases powerful features such as in-memory processing, multi-model data processing, and advanced analytics capabilities. Its advanced data virtualization helps consolidate data silos without disruption. Integrations include SAP's wide range of enterprise solutions, including SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, and more.
Pricing:
SAP Hana Cloud pricing begins at $3,616/year (billed annually), which equals approximately $301/user/month.
Pros:
- Superior real-time analytics capabilities
- Robust transactional processing
- Highly integrated with other SAP products
Cons:
- The initial learning curve can be steep
- High costs, particularly for smaller businesses
- Complex setup and customization may require technical expertise
3. IBM Netezza Performance Server - Best for high-speed, petabyte-scale analytics
IBM Netezza Performance Server offers advanced analytics on a massive scale, handling petabytes of data with impressive speed. It is a leading IT infrastructure vendor that offers storage virtualization solutions to improve the flexibility of storage infrastructures and data economics. It's a high-performance data warehouse appliance that takes on complex analytics on extensive datasets.
Why I Picked IBM Netezza Performance Server:
As I was selecting tools for this list, IBM Netezza Performance Server stood out due to its capacity to efficiently process petabytes of data at high speed. It's distinct from many tools on the market because of its advanced analytics capabilities, which can operate on a massive scale without compromising performance.
This is why I believe it's the best tool for high-speed, petabyte-scale analytics—it manages complex tasks without a hitch, even with extremely large data volumes.
Standout features & integrations:
IBM Netezza Performance Server comes packed with features such as in-database analytics, advanced data partitioning, and a massively parallel processing architecture. Its SQL compatibility ensures a wide range of applications can interact with the data. The server integrates seamlessly with IBM's ecosystem, including IBM Cognos, IBM SPSS, and more.
Pricing:
Pricing is upon request for the IBM Netezza Performance Server.
Pros:
- Capable of handling petabyte-scale analytics
- Excellent high-speed performance
- Extensive compatibility with SQL applications
Cons:
- Lack of transparent pricing information
- Might be overkill for smaller-scale operations
- Steeper learning curve compared to some other platforms
4. 45Drives - Best for large-scale storage solutions on open-source platforms
45Drives provides high-capacity, open-source storage solutions suitable for various use cases. Their solutions are designed to offer robust storage capabilities while leveraging the flexibility and customization that open-source platforms provide.
Why I Picked 45Drives:
I chose 45Drives for this list because of its unique approach to storage solutions. It stands out due to its open-source platform, providing a level of customization and flexibility that proprietary systems often lack. This attribute is what makes 45Drives the best choice for large-scale storage solutions on open-source platforms.
Standout features & integrations:
45Drives offers Storinator storage platforms, built on Linux and ZFS, that provide a high level of reliability, scalability, and data protection. Additionally, their 45Drives' Qumulo hybrid cloud file storage presents a unified, easy-to-use system for managing data across on-premise and cloud storage environments. Integrations include compatibility with various open-source and commercial software like CentOS, RedHat (HCI), Windows, and more.
Pricing:
Pricing details for 45Drives solutions are provided upon request.
Pros:
- Robust large-scale storage solutions
- Built on flexible open-source platforms
- Wide range of software compatibility
Cons:
- No transparent pricing available
- Open-source platforms may require a higher level of technical expertise
- Limited cloud-based features compared to some competitors
5. StorMagic - Best for edge computing storage requirements
StorMagic SvSAN is the virtual SAN (vSAN) that makes the complex world of virtualized storage simple. It’s a technology company that provides simplified storage systems for edge computing environments. They specialize in developing software-defined storage (SDS) products that are designed for small, distributed sites which makes them the best for edge computing storage requirements.
Why I Picked StorMagic:
In compiling this list, I selected StorMagic for its particular focus on edge computing. The company has carved a niche for itself in this area, making it stand out from others. Its dedication to simplifying storage in edge environments matches the growing need for data management in these areas, reinforcing my decision to label it as the best for edge computing storage requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
StorMagic's key product, SvSAN, provides highly available shared storage while eliminating the need for physical SANs. It enables genuine high availability between two server nodes. SvKMS, their key management solution, gives users the flexibility to manage keys anywhere. These offerings integrate well with any industry-standard x86 server hardware and API, multiple hypervisors like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Linux KVM, and numerous workload types, making the solution highly versatile.
Pricing:
Pricing details for StorMagic products are available upon request.
Pros:
- Focus on edge computing storage needs
- Versatile integration capabilities
- Provides key management tools
Cons:
- Pricing details not readily available
- May not be suitable for large data centers
- Lack of native cloud storage services
6. Citrix DaaS - Best for businesses seeking secure remote desktop solutions
Citrix DaaS is a cloud-based desktop-as-a-service platform designed to facilitate remote access to desktop environments. The platform supports virtual applications and desktop services, ensuring a secure and reliable experience for remote teams, making it the best solution for businesses seeking secure remote desktop solutions.
Why I Picked Citrix DaaS:
In the process of comparing different tools, I chose Citrix DaaS because of its robust security measures and reliable remote access capabilities. Citrix has a long history in the field of virtualization and remote work solutions, which lends it a level of trust and reliability not easily matched. Its focus on security and seamless remote desktop accessibility led me to identify it as the best for businesses seeking secure remote desktop solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Citrix DaaS offers features like a high-definition user experience, flexible resource allocation, and a unified workspace that integrates all your apps and data. The platform has a rich ecosystem of integrations, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, DataCore, and Google Cloud, providing users with a choice of infrastructure to host their virtual desktops.
Pricing:
The pricing starts at $15/user/month (billed annually), making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of varying sizes.
Pros:
- High-definition user experience
- Flexible resource allocation
- Numerous integrations with major cloud providers
Cons:
- Pricing can be high for smaller teams
- Setup can be complex
- Limited customization options
7. Amazon EC2 - Best for scalable computing capacity in the cloud
Amazon EC2, part of Amazon Web Services, is a web service that delivers secure, resizable computing capacity in the cloud. It is designed to facilitate web-scale computing for developers, making it ideal for projects requiring scalable computing capacity.
Why I Picked Amazon EC2:
During the selection process, I chose Amazon EC2 due to its flexibility, wide range of options, and deep integration with other AWS services. What sets Amazon EC2 apart is its robust offering, which includes varying instances that cater to different computing requirements, be it memory, GPU-intensive tasks, or more. I determined that it's best for scalable computing capacity in the cloud due to its ability to easily scale resources up or down, depending on demand.
Standout features & integrations:
Amazon EC2's features, such as its broad selection of instances, elasticity, security, and its Amazon Machine Images, make it highly versatile for a variety of cloud computing needs. Key integrations include other Amazon services like Amazon S3, Amazon RDS, and Amazon VPC, enhancing the ability to create and manage a full cloud environment.
Pricing:
The pricing for Amazon EC2 can vary depending on the chosen instance type and other features. It begins from approximately $0.0059 per Hour for an On-Demand Instance. Given the pay-as-you-go model, users only pay for what they use.
Pros:
- Extensive selection of instance types
- Highly scalable and flexible
- Robust security features
Cons:
- Pricing can be complex to understand due to the number of options
- May require a steep learning curve for beginners
- Costs can quickly add up for larger scale operations
8. ConnectWise Automate - Best for IT asset management and automation
ConnectWise Automate is a comprehensive IT asset management and automation tool. It streamlines the process of managing and securing IT assets and automating IT tasks, making it especially suitable for businesses needing robust IT asset management and automation.
Why I Picked ConnectWise Automate:
I chose ConnectWise Automate for this list because of its ability to deliver a unified IT management experience. What makes it different is the level of automation it provides, helping businesses reduce time spent on mundane tasks and focus on more strategic operations. I found it to be best for IT asset management and automation due to its comprehensive features that provide visibility and control over IT assets.
Standout features & integrations:
ConnectWise Automate boasts features such as patch management, remote monitoring, and automated IT tasks. It also integrates with several key platforms such as ConnectWise Manage and Sell and third-party applications like Microsoft 365 and Cisco, offering an interconnected IT management ecosystem.
Pricing:
Pricing for ConnectWise Automate is not publicly disclosed by the company. So it follows a "Pricing upon request" model, which means you have to contact the company for a quote based on your specific needs and size.
Pros:
- Robust IT asset management and automation capabilities
- Integrations with key platforms and applications
- Provides visibility and control over IT assets
Cons:
- Pricing is not transparent
- Can be complex for beginners to navigate
- Some users report occasional bugs and slow support responses
9. Evolve IP - Best for unified communication and workspace solutions
Evolve IP is a cloud strategy company that provides a unified platform for communication and workspace solutions. It merges voice, video, chat, and contact center applications into a single, browser-based solution, making it a top choice for businesses seeking to streamline their communication and collaborative workspaces.
Why I Picked Evolve IP:
I picked Evolve IP due to its commitment to simplifying communication and workspace processes through unification. What sets it apart is its ability to integrate a variety of communication and collaboration tools into a single platform. I believe it's the best for unified communication and workspace solutions because it breaks down silos between various tools, which can improve the efficiency of internal and external communications.
Standout features & integrations:
Evolve IP offers features such as VoIP phone systems, virtual desktops, and unified communications. Crucially, it integrates well with various popular applications, including Microsoft Teams, Cisco, VMware, and many more, providing users with the flexibility they need to make the most out of their workspace.
Pricing:
Evolve IP uses a "Pricing upon request" model, meaning that prospective users need to get in touch with the company for a personalized quote.
Pros:
- Provides a unified platform for communication and workspace solutions
- Integrates well with popular applications
- Enhances efficiency through streamlined communications
Cons:
- Pricing is not publicly available
- Some users report a steep learning curve
- The user interface could be more intuitive
10. Cameyo - Best for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure solutions
Cameyo is a comprehensive platform designed to virtualize the delivery of Windows applications to any device, anywhere. As a cloud-native virtual application delivery platform, it creates a secure, high-performance Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), aligning with its best-for-statement of being ideal for VDI solutions.
Why I Picked Cameyo:
Cameyo struck me as an impressive selection due to its cloud-native nature and the comprehensive scope of its application virtualization. It distinguishes itself with its ability to deliver both legacy and new software across any device without requiring complex, costly VDI or DaaS. I selected it as the best for VDI solutions because of its adeptness in providing seamless, secure, and cost-effective remote access to all Windows applications.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of Cameyo include application portability, a secure digital workspace, and the ability to run Windows applications on non-Windows devices. The platform integrates effectively with common productivity suites like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, as well as Identity Providers like Okta and Google Identity for seamless single sign-on capabilities.
Pricing:
Cameyo's pricing starts from $25/user/month for its basic package (billed annually), allowing you to host in any region with no added costs for data transfer.
Pros:
- Provides comprehensive application virtualization
- Allows access to Windows applications on any device
- Effective integration with productivity suites and Identity Providers
Cons:
- Pricing can be high for small organizations
- Primarily focused on Windows applications
- Some users may find initial setup slightly complex
11. Workspot - Best for cloud-native VDI, DaaS, and workstations
Workspot is a SaaS platform offering cloud-native solutions for VDI, Desktop as a Service (DaaS), and cloud workstations. It deploys and manages virtual desktops, apps, and workstations on Azure, making it an excellent choice for organizations seeking robust, scalable VDI and DaaS solutions.
Why I Picked Workspot:
Workspot's impressive dedication to providing a scalable, cloud-based infrastructure is what led me to choose it. Its stand-out feature is its ability to leverage the Azure platform's global presence to deploy desktops near users, thus ensuring low latency.
Workspot, in my opinion, excels as the best tool for cloud-native VDI, DaaS, and workstations due to its robust performance, agility, and global scalability.
Standout features & integrations:
Workspot delivers key features such as simple setup, global scalability, enterprise-level security, and excellent performance. It easily integrates with Azure's extensive services, allowing for scalable storage, backup, and disaster recovery solutions.
Pricing:
Workspot pricing starts from $35/user/month (billed annually) for their Enterprise Desktop offering. This includes fully managed desktops with unlimited scalability and 24/7 support.
Pros:
- Cloud-native infrastructure for enhanced scalability
- Robust security features
- Excellent performance with low latency
Cons:
- Reliance on Azure might be a drawback for organizations preferring other cloud providers
- The user interface might seem complex for some users
- Advanced features require higher-priced plans
12. Inuvika OVD Enterprise - Best for multi-platform remote application access
Inuvika OVD Enterprise is a virtual application delivery platform that enables access to Windows and Linux applications from any device. Given its robust platform compatibility and efficient remote access capabilities, it stands out as the go-to choice for organizations that require multi-platform remote application access.
Why I Picked Inuvika OVD Enterprise:
Inuvika OVD Enterprise drew my attention for its comprehensive compatibility with various operating systems and devices. Its ability to simultaneously deliver Windows and Linux applications on a single platform differentiates it from many other solutions in the market. This makes it the tool of choice when a business needs a solution for multi-platform remote application access.
Standout features & integrations:
Inuvika OVD Enterprise delivers a unified workspace that enables the integration of Windows and Linux applications, an HTML5-based web portal for application access, and impressive scalability. Notably, it integrates with Active Directory, local directories, and various third-party identity providers, making user management straightforward.
Pricing:
Pricing for Inuvika OVD Enterprise starts at $120/user/year (billed annually), equating to about $10/user/month.
Pros:
- Provides access to applications across multiple platforms
- Strong integrations with directory and identity services
- Excellent scalability
Cons:
- Lacks a pay-as-you-go pricing model, requiring annual commitment
- Complexity may increase with larger deployments
- Limited third-party application integration support
Other Storage Virtualization Software
Below is a list of additional storage virtualization software that I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- VM Backup - Good for secure virtual machine data protection
- PagerDuty - Good for real-time incident management and response
- Datadog - Good for comprehensive, cloud-scale monitoring
- Unreal Engine - Good for advanced 3D graphics rendering in game development
- vSphere - Good for managing virtualized data centers
- Lyftrondata - Good for modern data migration and transformation
- Oracle Virtualization - Good for integrated, enterprise-grade virtualization
- Datometry - Good for database compatibility and workload replatforming
- VMware Cloud Director - Good for orchestrating and thin provisioning virtual infrastructure
- IBM BigInsights - Good for extracting intelligence from big data
- TIBCO Data Virtualization - Good for agile data architecture management
- SAS Federation Server - Good for securely integrating distributed data sources
- Denodo - Good for real-time data integration and delivery
- CData Connect Cloud - Good for real-time data replication to Snowflake
- Data Virtuality - Good for creating logical data lakes
- Informatica PowerCenter - Good for high-performance enterprise data integration
- Matillion - Good for accelerating cloud data migration
- Querona - Good for integrating and querying cross-platform data
- DataCurrent - Good for strategic data governance and management
- Zipstack Data Productivity Cloud - Good for enhancing data team productivity and collaboration
Selection Criteria for Storage Virtualization Software
Having spent a considerable amount of time exploring virtualization and data integration tools, I've thoroughly tested and researched the key criteria that make a difference in choosing the right tool. Each tool on this list has been personally evaluated, with my main focus being on the ability to efficiently manage and utilize virtual resources or integrate data from various sources.
Core Functionality:
- Ability to create and manage virtual environments: Virtualization tools should have robust capabilities for setting up and maintaining virtual machines, networks, and storage.
- Efficient data integration: This refers to the ability to gather and consolidate data from multiple sources, a must-have for data integration tools.
- Advanced security measures: Both virtualization and data integration tools should offer strong security features to protect sensitive data.
- Scalability: The tool should be able to scale up or down to match your organization's needs without compromising performance or security.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface: A clean, intuitive interface can make it easier to navigate and use the tool effectively, saving time and reducing the learning curve.
- Automation capabilities: This can greatly speed up tasks like provisioning virtual resources or integrating data from various sources.
- Real-time monitoring: This feature allows you to keep track of your virtual environment or data integration processes in real-time, helping to identify and resolve any issues promptly.
- Advanced analytics: Particularly for data integration tools, the ability to generate useful insights from integrated data is invaluable.
Usability:
- Easy setup and onboarding: The initial setup process should be straightforward, with clear instructions or guided setup. Onboarding resources, such as video tutorials or help documentation, can be very helpful in getting started.
- Responsive customer support: Good customer service can make a significant difference in your overall experience with the tool. Look for companies that offer several channels for support, such as email, chat, or phone.
- Customizable dashboards: The ability to tailor the dashboard to display the most relevant information can enhance the usability of the tool.
- Role-based access controls: Especially in larger teams, the ability to assign and manage roles ensures that each user has appropriate access, enhancing security and efficiency.
Most Common Questions Regarding Storage Virtualization Software (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using storage virtualization software?
Storage virtualization software provides several benefits:
- Simplifies storage management by pooling multiple storage devices into a single, cohesive storage unit. This makes it easier to manage, allocate, and monitor storage.
- Improves scalability as it allows you to add storage capacity without disrupting existing operations.
- Enhance data protection and disaster recovery strategies by enabling functions such as snapshots and data replication.
- Reduce costs as it enables more efficient use of storage resources and decreases the need for additional physical storage hardware.
- Increase data availability, as the failure of one storage device doesn't necessarily mean data loss because the data can be replicated across multiple devices.
How much do storage virtualization software tools typically cost?
The pricing for storage virtualization software can vary significantly based on the features, scale, and vendor. Some solutions may start as low as $50 per month, while enterprise-grade solutions can cost several thousands of dollars per month.
What are the typical pricing models for storage virtualization software?
There are typically two pricing models for storage virtualization software: subscription-based and perpetual license. Subscription-based pricing is a recurring fee, usually charged monthly or annually, while a perpetual license involves a one-time upfront fee and may have ongoing maintenance costs.
What is the range of pricing for storage virtualization software?
Pricing for storage virtualization software can range from as low as $50 per month to as high as $5,000 per month for enterprise-level solutions.
What are the cheapest and most expensive storage virtualization software?
The cheapest storage virtualization software tends to be solutions designed for small businesses or startups, which could start from around $50 per month. The most expensive solutions are typically enterprise-grade tools that offer advanced features and scalability, which can cost several thousand dollars per month.
Are there any free storage virtualization software options?
Yes, there are some free storage virtualization tools available, but they may be limited in terms of features and support. These free options can be a good starting point for small businesses or individuals looking to explore storage virtualization. Examples of such tools include FreeNAS and Openfiler.
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Summary
In conclusion, the right storage virtualization software can simplify your storage management, enhance scalability, and boost data protection strategies. They offer a wide range of features that can be tailored to your business's specific needs and preferences. However, understanding the diversity in the market is crucial to make an informed decision.
Here are three key takeaways from this guide:
- Identify Your Needs: The first step towards choosing the best storage virtualization software is to identify your needs. Are you looking for easy management, improved scalability, or enhanced data protection? Understanding your specific requirements will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed choice.
- Evaluate Features and Usability: Look for key features that align with your requirements. Remember, a tool with more features isn't necessarily better if those features don't align with your needs. It's equally important to consider usability. An intuitive, user-friendly interface can make all the difference in your team's productivity and satisfaction with the tool.
- Consider Pricing Models: Pricing varies significantly among storage virtualization tools, with some charging a one-time fee and others operating on a subscription basis. Consider what pricing model is most feasible for your budget. Don't forget to factor in potential extra costs like maintenance or support.
Remember, the "best" tool is not the most expensive or feature-rich one—it's the one that best meets your unique needs and preferences.
What do you think?
Absolutely, I'd love to hear from you! If there are any storage virtualization tools that you believe should have made this list, or if you've had exceptional experiences with a particular software not mentioned here, please share your insights.
Your suggestions and experiences can provide immense value to this guide and help others make more informed decisions. So don't hesitate - your feedback is always welcome!