Big data storage solutions DataDirect Networks announced the SFA10K-X array; identical to its existing SFA10000 offering hardware-wise, but equipped with  DDN’s new paralleled and multi-threaded version of its SFA OS. The platform is VMware-certified, built to support larger workloads and packs RAID, cache engines and data movers. The array supports GRID Scaler, EXAScaler and NASScale.

DataDirect also unveiled a special version of SFA10K, which can run applications. This results in a speed boost thanks to fact it saves devices from having to communicate with each other across the infrastructure.

“EMC is developing a capability for its VMAX arrays to run applications,” The Register reports. “DataDirect has already done this. It says the SFA10K-E can run applications, and the first ones it is offering are file systems – specifically Lustre and IBM’s GPFS.”

In addition to rolling out a new product, DataDirect also made some notable staffing changes. Christopher O’Meara is taking on the role of CFO, and former Quantum exec Bill Co is now vice president of worldwide sales.  John Dorman joins the company’s board, where he will likely play a role in polishing the company’s big data strategy.

Earlier this month, DDN hired Erwan Menard as its new COO.  The former Hewlett-Packard executive will join several other HP vets that are currently working for the company.  He was the vice president and general manager for the electronics giant’s Communications and Media Solutions unit.

DataDirect’s previous addition to its portfolio was just a week ago, when it launched the Storage Fusion Architecture (SFA) 10K-X appliance.  Just like the SFA10K-X array, it also features support for NAS Scaler, ExaScaler and GridScaler. The SFA appliance delivers a write speed of 15GB/sec, 849K+ I/Os per second and can pack up to 120 drives in one system.