DataDirect Networks published the results of a couple of benchmark tests, one concocted by SAS and another carried out in “public sector laboratory tests” operated by an unspecified entity.

The SAS review checked the performance of the DDN SFA 10K-E platform together with GRIDScaler in a SAS Grid execution of a “highly parallel model calibration workload.” DDN’s technology produced the fastest ryntime recorded by the organization to date according to the whitepaper, which also praised GRIDScaler’s consistent performance when handling large loads. The report reads:

“The tested configuration provides sustained I/O throughput in excess of 2.5GBps with peak throughput nearing 3.5GBs. These performance numbers are expandable due to the scale-out nature of the GridScaler appliance.  In addition, the file system client exhibited excellent caching and provided correct file system metadata under significant load. These attributes make the GRIDScaler file system solution from DataDirect Networks an excellent choice for customers looking to successfully deploy grid applications.”

The second test (release here) checked how the DDN SFA storage system fairs when paired with the Vertica Analytics Platform. The integrated deployment managed top process queries against a one trillion row database in less than 20 seconds, according to the company.

DDN has earned its bragging rights by now. These latest records underscore a Pacific Crest Securities report I picked up earlier this month: the research firm asked CIOs to rank the storage vendors they’ve done business with, and DataDirect snagged the number two spot. Nearly a quarter of the participants in the survey said that DDN is their number one choice for big data solutions – more than those who favored EMC, Dell, and NetApp. The company’s analytics-optimized offerings portfolio earned it a spot among the “most strategic storage vendors” in the industry.