Disk-based data protection specialist FalconStor has unveiled the latest versions of its
Continuous Data Protector backup solution and Network Storage Server business continuity platform. Featuring the company’s new RecoverTrac 2.7 DR automation function, the solutions simplify data migration to and from the cloud while providing tighter integration with VMware environments.

In addition to supporting VMware vSphere Storage APIs or VAAI, NSS 7.5 features a configuration tool that aims to accelerate the deployment of stretched clusters and help admins increase data availability. Other additions include the ability to set specific encryption formats for different data types, and an enhanced continuous protection journal that enables users to scale capacity on an on-demand basis. Both functions are included in CDP 2.7 as well.

RecoverTrac 2.7 also features a number of major improvements, including support for vSphere 5.5 and Microsoft Windows 2012 environments with Hyper-V 3.0. The tool can be used to automate recovery tasks such as failover and failback across a wide range of physical, virtual, and hybrid environments.

FalconStor says that its latest software will hit general availability on October 8. Complete solutions and upgrades will be available through channel partners.

As virtualization is an essential component of most organizations’ IT infrastructure, effective data protection requires an application-level view of the data center. David West, the head of marketing and business development for FalconStor rival CommVault, explained in a recent interview on theCUBE that gaining visibility into the application layer empowers organizations to optimize their backup and recovery solutions while streamlining replication, archiving and compliance.

West says that his company is taking this approach to transform backup from a painpoint into a business asset that can drive tangible value through with analytics.