DataGravity
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Data management, Security software |
| Founded | April 2012 |
| Founder | Paula Long, John Joseph |
| Fate | Assets acquired by HyTrust after liquidation |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Data-aware storage, Behavioral data protection software |
DataGravity Inc. was a data management firm based in the United States, specializing in security software solutions. Established in April 2012 by entrepreneurs Paula Long and John Joseph, the company unveiled its first products at VMworld 2014, where it received accolades including Best of Show and New Technology awards. Product shipments commenced in October 2014.
The company pioneered the idea of data-aware storage, which concentrated on safeguarding data residing on its storage arrays. In February 2016, DataGravity altered its business model, moving away from hardware storage appliances to focus on software offerings centered around behavioral data protection. This strategic shift resulted in significant workforce reductions as the organization restructured.
Fate
There are differing accounts concerning DataGravity's ultimate outcome. Some sources report that HyTrust acquired DataGravity,[1] while others clarify that HyTrust purchased only DataGravity's assets after they were transferred to a liquidator.[2]
HyTrust confirmed that founder and CEO Paula Long departed DataGravity several weeks prior to the acquisition announcement, with co-founder John Joseph leaving earlier.[3] DataGravity is said to have ceased operations by June 2017, terminating employee benefits and placing the company under the management of liquidator Barry Kallander.[4] In communications from Kallander, it was stated, "The corporation was not sold - the assets of the company were....Unfortunately the common shares are worthless."[5]
In contrast, DataGravity’s CTO David Siles asserted that the company "did not shut down," characterizing the transaction as a strategic acquisition rather than a distressed sale, highlighting ongoing customer interest and value.[6]
Approximately 20 former DataGravity staff members transitioned to HyTrust to assist with product integration efforts under the leadership of CTO David Siles.[7] The technology developed by DataGravity has been incorporated into HyTrust’s CloudAdvisor platform, preserving its market presence.[8]