Violin introduces Windows Flash Array

Violin Memory has announced availability of the Windows Flash Array (WFA). Jointly developed with Microsoft Corp., the WFA is the first all-flash high-performance storage array powered by Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 to deliver a rich set of high-performance storage features and data services for the enterprise.

The WFA is a tightly integrated combination of Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 and Violin’s hardware and software into a single solution that delivers high performance all-flash array storage for enterprise and cloud customers. Customers benefit from the proven storage features of Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 embedded into the Windows All Flash Array, including thin provisioning, data deduplication, scalability, and encryption along with space efficient snapshots and continuous availability, through Windows failover clustering.

“The WFA solution with Microsoft’s vast suite of server applications is critical for enterprises trying to revolutionize the performance, scale, and cost of data center and cloud deployments. This collaboration with Microsoft produces the necessary integration of compute, network, applications, and storage for customers designing the next generation of cloud and virtualized solutions,” said Kevin DeNuccio, CEO, Violin Memory.

Microsoft has significantly improved the efficiency and feature set of Windows Storage Server 2012 R2, but, most importantly, it provides a new way to connect external storage and make it perform like fast local storage. The Server Message Block (SMB) Direct protocol enabled by remote direct memory access (RDMA) makes possible a compelling enterprise-class storage alternative to traditional SANs. Testing by Microsoft reveals that SMB Direct can reduce CPU overhead by up to 30%, while delivering higher-performance storage that is less expensive, and easier to administer through native Windows Server management tools.