Ocarina Networks

Ocarina Networks
Subsidiary
Industry Data storage devices
Fate Acquired by Dell
Predecessor Ocarina Networks
Successor Part of Dell Storage Fluid Data Architecture
Founded 2006
Defunct July 31, 2010
Headquarters San Jose, California
Products Oca2400/3400/4600 optimizers, OcaReader, and other storage optimization products
Owner Dell

Ocarina Networks was a technology company selling a hardware/software solution designed to reduce data footprints with file-aware storage optimization. A subsidiary of Dell, their flagship product, the Ocarina Appliance/Reader, released in April 2008, uses patented data compression techniques incorporating such methods as record linkage and context-based lossless data compression. The product includes the hardware-appliance-based compressor, the Ocarina Optimizer, and a real-time decompressor, the software-based Ocarina Reader.

History

Ocarina was founded by Murli Thirumale, formerly a vice-president and general manager at Citrix Systems; Carter George, formerly a vice-president and co-founder of PolyServe (acquired by HP); and Goutham Rao, formerly Chief Technical Officer and Chief Architect for Advanced Solutions Group of Citrix Systems.

Its solution works by identifying redundancy at a global file system level, and applying specific algorithms for different data formats, such as algorithms specific to images, text, executables, seismic data, and so forth. Ocarina's Optimizers work with existing storage systems through standard network protocols such as NFS, or are directly integrated with partner vendors storage systems.

On July 19, 2010, Dell announced it plans to acquire Ocarina Networks. The transaction was completed on July 31, 2010.[1]

Technology

The company's ECOsystem (Extract, Correlate, Optimize) provides data reduction technology, providing both deduplication and content-aware data compression in a reliable, scalable, policy-based package. ECOsystem consists of 3 primary components, an optimizer, a reader, and a management and reporting framework. These components are delivered in software or appliance form depending on customer, application, and underlying storage solution.

The standard ECOsystem workflow is a post process. Files are first stored to disk in native form. Policies are used to specify which files are to be optimized (based on age, location, or file type), and what compression settings to use. Policies are commonly used to avoid optimization of files that are actively being modified. ECOsystem may also be configured to migrate optimized data to a secondary tier of lower-cost storage for disk-based archival applications.

Compression and deduplication algorithms

ECOsystem is content aware, with selection of compression solution based on the type of data being processed. This goes beyond file-extension filtering. ECOsystem will recursively decompose compound files, until elemental text, media, or binary components are identified. At the heart of the optimizer software is a context-weighted neural net that will apply the most effective compression solution based on the nature of the elemental file component identified, and will efficiently remember optimal settings based on similar files processed.

ECOsystem in most cases is highly effective at achieving results on novel or proprietary file-types, as well as pre-compressed media such as JPEG images and MPEG4 video. Ocarina has successfully processed data in over 600 file formats to-date.

ECOmax and NFO workflows

Two forms of Ocarina's post-processing workflow are available; ECOmax and Native Format Optimization or NFO. ECOmax utilizes all available compression methods to shrink data, including on-disk structures that maximize utilization of physical blocks. The ECOmax workflow requires the use of the ECOreader, which is run-anywhere software that efficiently decodes data for transparent readback. ECOmax may be applied to any file or data types including specialized files used by various vertical industries.

The NFO workflow is designed specifically for web-based media companies. In NFO, media files (for example JPEGs) are stored in their native state, which eliminates the need for decoding, and allows customers to capture data-reduction benefits throughout the workflow, including web distribution (bandwidth savings and better end-user experience), and movement into archival systems. NFO provides "visually identical" compression that tailors image parameters to the sensitivities of the Human Visual System Model, and the intended use of the image, without creating any perceivable quality degradation.

Funding

Partners

Ocarina delivers its products as either hardware (appliance) or software solutions directly to customers or via OEM partners.

References

  1. ↑ Dell Signs Agreement to Acquire Ocarina Networks and its Storage Optimization Technology Dell Website 2010-07-19 Retrieved 2010-07-29