Research Notes

Research Note: Cisco Introduces AI Canvas

Michael McDowell June 13, 2025

Earlier this week at Cisco Live San Diego 2025, Cisco unveiled AI Canvas, a groundbreaking Generative UI designed to redefine IT operations. This initiative is

Research Note: VDURA Data Platform 11.2

Steve McDowell June 10, 2025

Earlier this month, VDURA announced Version 11.2 of its Data Platform, featuring native Kubernetes CSI support, end-to-end encryption, and the VDURACare Premier support package.

The release also includes a technology preview of V-ScaleFlow, a data movement capability that VDURA claims will reduce flash requirements by over 50% through intelligent tiering between QLC flash and high-capacity HDDs.

Research Note: Snowflake’s Crunchy Data Acquisition

Steve McDowell June 3, 2025

At its annual Snowflake Summit in San Francisco, Snowflake announced its intent to acquire Crunchy Data for approximately $250 million. The deal brings enterprise-grade PostgreSQL capabilities into Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud through a new offering called Snowflake Postgres. This acquisition addresses a critical gap in Snowflake’s platform, while intensifying competition with Databricks for dominance in AI infrastructure.

Research Note: Dell Updates its Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA

Steve McDowell May 20, 2025

At its annual Dell Technologies World event in Las Vegas, Dell announced significant updates to its AI Factory with NVIDIA, expanding the platform’s hardware capabilities and introducing new managed services.

The updated platform targets enterprises transitioning from AI experimentation to full-scale implementation, particularly for agentic AI and multi-modal applications.

Key updates include new PowerEdge server configurations supporting up to 256 NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra GPUs per rack, enhanced data platform integrations, and comprehensive managed services.

Research Note: HPE’s New Storage SLAs and Edge-Ready Backup Appliances

Steve McDowell May 18, 2025

HPE recently introduced new service-level guarantees and product innovations focused on cyber resilience, energy efficiency, and zero data loss for its flagship HPE Alletra Storage MP B10000 platform.

It also expanded its StoreOnce data protection portfolio with new appliances tailored to remote offices and SMBs.

Research Note: RUCKUS Networks Introduces AI-Driven Wi-Fi 7 Outdoor Access Point

Michael McDowell May 14, 2025

RUCKUS Networks recently expanded its portfolio by introducing the RUCKUS T670 and T670sn outdoor Wi-Fi 7 access points. This announcement is a significant step in bringing the latest Wi-Fi standards and AI capabilities to challenging outdoor environments, focusing on high-density and performance needs.