X-IO rejigs top deck as it squares up to EMC and NetApp

Storage vendor vows to leave its comfort zone to take on the big boys

Storage vendor X-IO has enlisted a new chief executive who has promised to take the firm out of its comfort zone in order to compete with the likes of EMC and NetApp.

The firm – which insists its hybrid storage combines the best of both flash and HDD technology – has appointed Brian Owen as its new chief executive, who it describes as a hyper-growth specialist. Owen's predecessor John Beletic will now become chairman.

As part of the rejig, Gavin McLoughlin – the firm's former international solutions development director – has been appointed as vice president of worldwide marketing.

Owen said a new solutions focus will transform X-IO's fortunes.

"We plan to drive X-IO out of its previously purely technology-focused comfort zone and go head to head at a solution-orientated level with both the new wave of all-flash and hybrid storage start-ups and the traditional legacy storage brands such as NetApp and EMC," he said.

X-IO is no stranger to poking at EMC and last year joined Pure Storage in criticising EMC's XtremIO all-flash product, branding the update "bewildering".