Storage software maker CommVault has received a large vote of confidence from Dell with the two companies announcing a tight product partnership.

Dell customers will now find a low-end version of CommVault's Galaxy software available for their IP and Fibre Channel storage systems. The software, called GalaxyExpress, lets customers perform basic backup and restore functions at a starting price of $2,495 for up to 25 clients. Users interested in higher-end end tools, and more clients, can pay for add-on modules from CommVault.

"This is really about expanding customer choice," said a Dell spokeswoman.

Dell commissioned CommVault to tune this software package for its PowerVault NAS (network attached storage) boxes and higher-end Dell/EMC Clariion gear. Like other software from companies such as Veritas or CA, the CommVault application handles data backup for various mail and database packages, including Microsoft Exchange and SQL Server and Oracle.

Byte and Switch reports that the Dell deal could boost CommVault's IPO prospects. The software maker already has deals with Hitachi, HP and EMC, but it considers the agreement with Dell to be a major volume play. ®

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