VAST Data achieves public cloud burstability with Red Stapler
VAST Data is making significant strides in the realm of cloud computing, particularly with its recent acquisition of Red Stapler. This move not only enhances VAST's capabilities but also positions it strategically within the competitive landscape of hyperscale cloud services. By understanding the implications of this acquisition, we can gain insights into the future of cloud technology and the role VAST intends to play.
The acquisition of Red Stapler, a company formed by former NetApp employees just months prior, marks a pivotal shift in VAST's operational framework. This strategic decision allows VAST to leverage Red Stapler's expertise and technology to enhance its AI operating system (OS) and expand its offerings in the public cloud market.
Understanding the acquisition of Red Stapler
VAST Data acquired Red Stapler, a company comprised entirely of six ex-NetApp employees, just four months after their departure from NetApp's Iceland branch. This acquisition brings a sophisticated cloud control plane architecture that aims to enhance the capabilities of VAST's AI OS as a service in public cloud environments.
This acquisition avoids potential legal complications regarding non-compete agreements, as the employees transitioned from NetApp to Red Stapler before joining VAST. The strategic timing and sequence of these moves demonstrate the agility and forward-thinking approach of both VAST and its new team members.
The background of Red Stapler and its team
Before establishing Red Stapler, the six founding members were associated with Greenqloud, an Icelandic startup acquired by NetApp in 2017 for approximately $51 million. Greenqloud was known for its Qstack software, designed to manage and orchestrate services in hybrid cloud environments. This background provides a strong foundation for their current work at VAST.
- Jonsi Stefansson: Former CEO of Greenqloud, now the General Manager of Cloud at VAST.
- Eirikur Hrafnsson: Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Red Stapler, now VP of Cloud Engineering at VAST.
- Tryggvi Larusson: CTO and co-founder at Red Stapler, now a Cloud Architect at VAST.
- Pall Helgason: Distinguished Engineer at Red Stapler, currently at VAST.
- Þórhallur Helgason: CSS Wizard at Red Stapler, now Principal Software Engineer at VAST.
- Grímur Jónsson: Senior Developer at Red Stapler, now Principal Software Engineer at VAST.
Red Stapler's stealth operation and business model
Interestingly, Red Stapler operated without a visible online presence and had no publicly disclosed external funding. According to Dun & Bradstreet, the company reported a modest revenue of $180,000 in its brief operational history, highlighting a surprising valuation given its acquisition. This raises questions about the innovative technologies the company developed in such a short period.
The vision behind VAST and Red Stapler
Eirikur Hrafnsson expressed on LinkedIn the motivation behind creating Red Stapler: “We started Red Stapler to create the ultimate cloud-native SaaS engine to help companies transform their products into fully-managed, multi-tenant, scalable cloud solutions.” This vision aligns perfectly with VAST's goals, which include delivering a robust AI OS that is both scalable and efficient in the public cloud landscape.
With the integration of Red Stapler's technology, VAST aims to provide a comprehensive cloud service that allows businesses to manage workloads seamlessly across different cloud providers. This integration is set to enhance several key functionalities:
- API integration for improved billing processes.
- Enhanced monitoring capabilities for workload performance.
- Observability features for better insight into cloud operations.
- Scalability options that allow businesses to adapt to changing demands.
Implications for public cloud services
VAST's AI OS is already operational on major platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The addition of Red Stapler's software will facilitate a more cohesive experience across these services. This approach enables VAST customers to utilize public clouds for temporary workload bursts while maintaining data integrity and cost efficiency.
It is also expected that VAST will seek partnerships with major public cloud providers to create a unified platform. This platform would consolidate various data services, database capabilities, and execution systems to enhance customer offerings.
The future of VAST Data in the cloud landscape
CEO Renen Hallak highlighted the significance of the new talent joining VAST: “With Jonsi and team joining VAST, we gain proven expertise in working hand-in-hand with hyperscalers to deliver services that meet the demands of AI at global scale.” This expertise is crucial as the demand for scalable, cloud-native applications continues to grow.
Furthermore, the description of Red Stapler's software aligns closely with the functionalities initially developed in Greenqloud's QStack software, indicating a potential for rapid innovation and development in VAST's service offerings.
As the cloud computing sector continues to evolve, VAST's strategic acquisition of Red Stapler positions the company to not only compete but potentially lead in the realms of AI-driven cloud services and integrated data management solutions.
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