Ocarina Networks
Encyclopedia
Ocarina Networks is 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.
; 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.
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.
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.
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.
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....
/software solution designed to reduce data footprints with file-aware storage optimization. A subsidiary of Dell
Dell
Dell, Inc. is an American multinational information technology corporation based in 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas, United States, that develops, sells and supports computers and related products and services. Bearing the name of its founder, Michael Dell, the company is one of the largest...
, their flagship product, the Ocarina Appliance/Reader, released in April 2008, uses patented data compression
Data compression
In computer science and information theory, data compression, source coding or bit-rate reduction is the process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation would use....
techniques incorporating such methods as record linkage
Record linkage
Record linkage refers to the task of finding records in a data set that refer to the same entity across different data sources...
and context-based lossless data compression
Lossless data compression
Lossless data compression is a class of data compression algorithms that allows the exact original data to be reconstructed from the compressed data. The term lossless is in contrast to lossy data compression, which only allows an approximation of the original data to be reconstructed, in exchange...
. 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 SystemsCitrix Systems
Citrix Systems, Inc. is a multinational corporation founded in 1989, that provides server and desktop virtualization, networking, software-as-a-service , and cloud computing technologies, including Xen open source products....
; 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.
Technology
The company's ECOsystem (Extract, Correlate, Optimize) provides data reduction technology, providing both deduplicationDeduplication
The term deduplication refers generally to eliminating duplicate or redundant information.* Data deduplication, in computer storage, refers to the elimination of redundant data...
and content-aware data compression
Data compression
In computer science and information theory, data compression, source coding or bit-rate reduction is the process of encoding information using fewer bits than the original representation would use....
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
Human Visual System Model
A human visual system model is used by image processing, video processing and computer vision experts to deal with biological and psychological processes that are not yet fully understood. Such a model is used to simplify the behaviours of what is a very complex system...
, and the intended use of the image, without creating any perceivable quality degradation.
Funding
- In 2007, Ocarina Networks secured $12M in series 'A' funding from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Highland Capital PartnersHighland Capital PartnersHighland Capital Partners is a venture capital firm that focuses on investments in seed, early, and growth stage companies in the communications, consumer, digital media, healthcare, and information technology sectors. The firm's partners include: Peter Bell, Sean Dalton, Bob Davis, Richard de...
, - In 2009, Ocarina secured an additional $20M from the same investors and JAFCO Ventures.
Partners
Ocarina delivers its products as either hardware (appliance) or software solutions directly to customers or via OEM partners.- BlueArcBlueArcBlueArc Corporation is a network storage device manufacturer headquartered in San Jose, California. BlueArc was founded in 1998 by Geoff Barrall, Jeff Pinkham and Jon Meyer. Initially based in the UK, BlueArc transitioned its HQ to the US in 2000 and became a US corporation at that time although...
- EMCEMC CorporationEMC Corporation , a Financial Times Global 500, Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, develops, delivers and supports information infrastructure and virtual infrastructure hardware, software, and services. EMC is headquartered in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, USA.Former Intel executive Richard Egan and his...
- Hewlett Packard
- Hitachi Data SystemsHitachi Data SystemsHitachi Data Systems is a company providing mid-range and high-end storage systems, software and services. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd. and part of the Hitachi Information Systems & Telecommunications Division....