VAST Data is reshaping enterprise storage by adding block-level access and event broking capabilities to its scale-out architecture. This move enables customers to consolidate structured and unstructured data workloads while powering real-time analytics, AI, and machine learning applications.
Block Storage Joins File and Object Access #
Traditionally known for its file and object protocols, VAST Data now supports block-level access, making its systems suitable for classic structured workloads such as:
- Relational databases (SQL/NoSQL)
- ERP and CRM systems
- Virtualized environments (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM)
- Containerized applications
With this addition, enterprises can run legacy structured data workloads on VAST’s DASE (Disaggregated, Shared Everything) architecture, alongside unstructured file, object, tabular, and streaming data—all on a single platform.
VAST is also enabling Boot from SAN, simplifying server deployment, improving disaster recovery, and streamlining provisioning for both virtual and bare-metal servers.
Kafka-Compatible Event Broking for Real-Time Data #
VAST has extended its DataEngine with an integrated Kafka-compatible event broker, eliminating the need for external Kafka clusters. This new feature:
- Streams event logs for real-time processing
- Feeds AI/ML models for instant training and inference
- Enables AI agents to act immediately on incoming data
- Supports automation across enterprise applications
According to VAST, its Event Broker delivers 10x+ performance over Kafka on equivalent hardware, with linear scaling up to 500M+ messages per second in large cluster deployments.
VAST Co-founder Jeff Denworth summarized the impact:
“By merging event streaming, analytics, and AI into a single platform, VAST is removing decades of pipeline inefficiencies and enabling organizations to act on insights instantly.”
Unified Data Access: One Platform, Many Workloads #
With block, file, object, tabular, and streaming data support, VAST offers a fully unified storage system. Key enterprise-grade features include:
- Snapshots & replication
- Multi-tenancy & QoS
- Encryption & RBAC security
VAST claims that while AWS requires 21 separate services to achieve this level of unification, its platform delivers everything natively in a single system.
Market Impact and Competition #
By adding block storage, VAST enters direct competition with traditional high-end SAN vendors such as Dell PowerMax, Hitachi Vantara VSP One, IBM DS8000, and Infinidat.
Other competing solutions include:
- Red Hat Ceph and StorOne → unified block, file, object access
- Quantum Myriad and HPE Alletra MP X10000 → KV-store architectures with protocol extensions
- NetApp ONTAP → unified file + block, though some customers still prefer block-only ASA arrays
VAST’s approach differs by betting on consolidation rather than de-consolidation, appealing to customers seeking simplified infrastructure for AI-driven operations.
Conclusion: Built for the AI Era #
By integrating block storage and real-time event broking into its already powerful architecture, VAST Data is positioning itself as a leader in the AI and analytics era.
The platform now unifies transactional, analytical, AI, and streaming workloads, enabling organizations to:
- Detect fraud in milliseconds
- Correlate intelligence signals globally
- Automate decisions with AI agents
- Deliver next-gen customer experiences
For enterprises looking to consolidate siloed storage systems and accelerate AI initiatives, VAST Data’s latest innovations may be the most compelling leap forward yet.
