Exablox is a technology company that developed cloud-managed, scale-out, object-based storage solutions designed to simplify and reduce the cost of managing unstructured data for businesses. Its flagship product, OneBlox, combines hardware and enterprise-grade software to provide scalable, high-performance NAS storage that serves Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, healthcare, insurance, and legal sectors. Exablox addresses the problem of escalating storage costs and complex data management by offering an affordable, easy-to-use platform with features like inline deduplication, continuous data protection, and disaster recovery[1][3][4].
Founded in 2010 by Tad Hunt (CTO), Matthew Catino (VP Business Development), and Frank Barrus (Chief Architect), Exablox emerged from a team with backgrounds at Data Domain, Veritas, NetApp, and other notable tech firms. The idea arose from the need to disrupt the enterprise storage market, which was burdened by expensive, complex, and fragmented storage solutions. Early traction came from raising $22 million in funding from investors such as Norwest Venture Partners and DCM, validating their innovative approach to scale-out storage for mid-market businesses[2][3].
Core Differentiators
- Innovative Object Storage Architecture: Exablox’s OneBlox uses an object-based storage system that scales seamlessly from a few terabytes to hundreds of terabytes without downtime or complex configuration[1][4].
- Cloud-Managed Simplicity: The storage system is managed via a cloud-based service (OneSystem), enabling ease of use and centralized control[4].
- Cost Efficiency: Offers competitive pricing (e.g., less than 50 cents per effective gigabyte) with integrated features like inline deduplication and continuous data protection, reducing total cost of ownership[1][4].
- Versatility: Supports both primary and secondary storage needs, allowing customers to consolidate storage infrastructure[1][4].
- Strong Customer Base: Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and various verticals including healthcare and education, demonstrating broad applicability[1].
Role in the Broader Tech Landscape
Exablox capitalized on the growing demand for scalable, affordable storage solutions amid exploding volumes of unstructured data. The trend toward cloud-managed infrastructure and the blurring lines between primary and secondary storage created a timely opportunity for their scale-out NAS approach. Their acquisition by StorageCraft in 2017 allowed the combined entity to offer a comprehensive data management portfolio, integrating storage, protection, and analytics, which aligns with market forces emphasizing data availability, protection, and business continuity[1][4][6].
Quick Take & Future Outlook
Post-acquisition by StorageCraft, Exablox’s technology has been positioned to expand StorageCraft’s footprint from traditional backup and recovery into primary storage markets. Future trends shaping their journey include increasing demand for integrated data protection and storage solutions that are cloud-managed and scalable. As data volumes continue to grow and ransomware threats rise, solutions like Exablox’s OneBlox that combine performance, ease of management, and data protection will remain critical. Their influence is likely to evolve as part of broader integrated data management platforms that serve enterprise and mid-market customers alike[1][4][6].