Infinidat’s Perspective on Enterprise-Grade Storage for Cloud-Native and Hybrid Architectures

Enterprise IT is no longer built around one model. Most companies now run a mix of environments at the same time. They use Kubernetes for modern, cloud-native apps, run virtual machines for many business systems, and still rely on legacy applications that cannot be easily replaced. All of these depend on storage.

In a recent Software Plaza podcast, Twain Taylor, editor at Software Plaza, spoke with Eric Herzog, Chief Marketing Officer at Infinidat. The discussion focused on how enterprise storage must evolve to support hybrid and cloud-native architectures. Herzog centered the conversation on three core needs: consistent performance, scalable design, and strong cyber resilience.

This article translates those ideas into practical guidance for cloud-native and hybrid architectures, with a focus on how Kubernetes workloads, virtual machines, and legacy systems can coexist on shared storage while maintaining enterprise-grade outcomes.

Hybrid is the standard operating model

Many organizations once believed they would move fully to the public cloud. In reality, most have adopted a hybrid approach. They run some systems in data centers, others in the cloud, and frequently use managed service providers.

At the same time, workloads have changed. A typical enterprise might run:

• Kubernetes clusters for modern applications
• Virtual machines hosting databases and business software
• Legacy systems that are deeply tied to operations
• Backup and disaster recovery systems across multiple locations

This creates complexity. If each workload type has its own storage system, teams end up managing separate tools, separate processes, and separate security controls, which increases cost and risk.

Herzog’s view is that enterprise storage should provide a shared platform that can support these different workloads at the same time, without one affecting the stability of another.

What enterprise storage means today

Enterprise storage is a combination of hardware and software. While vendors may use similar processors, flash, and drives, the key difference often lies in the storage operating system.

Infinidat uses InfuzeOS, a Linux-based storage operating system that controls how data is written, stored, optimized, and protected. It manages performance, availability, and security features.

In simple terms, the storage operating system decides how efficiently the hardware is used. Two systems with similar hardware can perform very differently depending on how the software is designed.

Performance consistency across mixed workloads

One of the strongest points Herzog made is that enterprises care about consistent performance. They do not only want high speed in test environments. They want predictable behavior in production.

In hybrid environments, multiple workloads run at the same time. A Kubernetes application may scale up quickly. A database in a virtual machine may process heavy transactions. Backup jobs may run overnight or during maintenance windows.

If storage is not designed properly, one workload can slow down another. That affects business operations.

A strong enterprise storage platform should:

• Maintain stable performance even under mixed workloads
• Prevent backup processes from disrupting production systems
• Provide predictable response times for critical applications

For example, a company running financial systems or supply chain software cannot afford unexpected slowdowns. Consistency is often more important than peak performance numbers.

Scaling for growth, power, and space

Data growth is constant. Companies collect more data from applications, analytics, and customer interactions. AI workloads are increasing data volumes even further.

Scaling storage is not just about adding more capacity. It is also about managing physical constraints such as power and space.

Data centers are reaching limits in power availability. Storage systems that consume less power allow companies to allocate more power to compute workloads, including AI.

Physical footprint matters too. Smaller systems that deliver enterprise performance free up rack space for servers and networking gear.

Herzog explained that improvements in form factor and power efficiency help organizations improve their total cost of ownership. Lower power usage reduces operational costs. Smaller footprints allow better use of data center real estate.

When planning hybrid infrastructure, companies should evaluate storage systems not only on capacity and speed but also on efficiency and scalability within real-world constraints.

Cyber resilience as a built-in function

Cyber threats are constant. Enterprises face repeated attempts to access or encrypt their data. Storage plays a central role in recovery because it is where critical data resides.

Herzog emphasized that storage must be part of a company’s overall cyber strategy. It should not be treated as an isolated component.

Infinidat’s approach, called InfiniSafe, is designed to add security and recovery capabilities at the storage level. Regulatory requirements also play a role. Public companies must comply with cyber reporting and protection standards in the countries where they operate. Storage systems must support these compliance efforts by enabling secure data handling and reliable recovery.

Supporting Kubernetes, virtual machines, and legacy systems together

A modern enterprise environment often includes multiple workload types that have different technical requirements.

Kubernetes environments require persistent storage that integrates with container orchestration systems. Virtual machines require stable block storage and high availability features. Legacy systems often require predictable behavior and long-term stability.

Instead of building separate storage environments for each type, companies can benefit from a shared platform that supports multiple access methods and policies. This approach can reduce operational complexity. It can also improve visibility and management across workloads.

Conclusion

Hybrid and cloud-native architectures are here to stay. Enterprises will continue running Kubernetes workloads, virtual machines, and legacy systems side by side.

For teams modernizing infrastructure, the real question is not whether storage will evolve. It is whether the current storage strategy can support hybrid and cloud-native operations without adding risk, cost, or operational drag. To explore these insights in more depth, including the operational context behind them, readers can listen to the full discussion in the Software Plaza podcast episode featuring Infinidat.