Mr. T fighting for HDS

If you haven't seen Hitachi Data System's Mr. T video go check it out. Other than the first Rocky, the one with Mr. T was my favorite. When asked for a prediction about the fight Mr. T looked menancingly into the camera and said "I predict Paaaaiiiin". He didn't use that line in the video but it would be perfect. The interviewer can ask: "Mr T what do you predict by not using virtualization...".

I am a proponent of storage virtualization and I think HDS has an excellent solution for Enterprise-class customers. It is good to see HDS out there trying to get the word out. They haven't done this nearly enough. I think it is important to raise awareness about storage virtualization. I believe that storage virtualization will be core in how we implement storage networking going forward. Today, most storage networks provide networking from host to storage system but not between storage systems. Each storage system is a stove pipe and resources are not easily shared. As a result we don't leverage our expensive physical storage assets to the degree that we need to. Storage virtualization essentially networks networked storage. That is the real value of creating a logical layer to utilize physical assets beyond their own bounded limitations. We need to create greater awareness and education. The Mr. T video creates awareness -- thousands of people have already viewed it. And it prompted me to write about it -- hopefully adding some small amount of education. And more is coming from me on this topic.

HDS and IBM have been the big vendors that are most focused on storage virtualization. IBM needs to be more vocal since it is well kept secret that a ton of their customers are using the SVC, their storage virtualization solution. NetApp has a solution with its V-series but they have not banged the drum very loudly on this. From what I can tell EMC has slowed down its messaging on Invista. HDS has changed its style a bit and is being "fun" and "loud" -- which is not what they are known for. It is an important issue. HDS is still perceived as a Japanese company and their culture is just different enough from our own to impact business. The HDS team in the US has to continue to drive the company to be more aggressive on many fronts -- sales, marketing, and even acquisitions. You can't just innovate on your own -- especially if you are a big company. This is a sign that they are changing and realize they need to charge ahead at a faster pace.

What do I think of the Mr. T video? Hey - I'm an uptight guy who doesn't like to be silly (although the Shared Bus lady cracked me up big time). It is silly. But it raises awareness (here I am writing about it and you're reading it). Now HDS needs to follow up with more education. Awareness + Education is the key. The video does raise a debate about where storage virtualization should live. Mr. T contends that it should be in the storage controller. I agree that there is a great deal of value in having this functionality in the storage controller. In this way customers can acquire a storage system with storage virtualization technology and not be required to implement another appliance or solution. HDS has implemented storage virtualization in its flagship products, which brings a lot of value. But storage virtualization can and should live on all different layers within the data center ecosystem, including within storage switches. I just hope Mr. T doesn't kick my ass for disagreeing with him.

For some people storage is boring (not me). Therefore we need ways to beef it up and to get it more into the mainstream. Especially now since storage is one of the hottest items in high tech and Wall Street. And I do vehemently agree with Mr. T -- go out and "VIRTUALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIZE"!