Talking with Janet Giesen – VP of Operations and Programs at Metallic

Introduction

Welcome to Conversations with Des! In this episode, we are joined by Janet Gieson, the Vice President of Operations and Programs for Metallic, a Commvault venture. Janet shares insights into the development and launch of Metallic, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced in the rapidly evolving landscape of data protection and SaaS delivery.

Leveraging Commvault’s Experience

Janet discusses how Metallic leverages Commvault’s extensive experience in data protection and adds on in the SaaS delivery. The focus is on building a strong and secure operating system, with best-in-class encryption, security certifications, and access controls. Metallic also incorporates anomaly detection to track anomalies in data and report on them, drawing from decades of learning from Commvault’s expertise.

Hosted on Azure

One of the key highlights of Metallic is its hosting on Azure, leveraging the best-in-class features of the platform. This integration with Azure further enhances the security and reliability of Metallic, making it a robust solution for data protection.

A Unique Approach to SaaS Data Protection

Janet’s background in B2B content and digital partnerships has provided her with a unique perspective on the evolution of data protection as a service. She highlights the shift towards SaaS-oriented solutions, driven by the proliferation of SaaS applications and the increasing adoption of cloud-based platforms.

Target Market and Expansion Plans

The initial target market for Metallic was the mid-market, with a focus on organizations with 500 to 2,500 employees. However, the response from enterprise customers has been unexpectedly strong, indicating a broader appeal across different market segments. The rollout of Metallic in North America has been a measured approach, with plans to expand to additional geos in the coming quarters.

Highlights and Learnings

The first 6 months since the launch of Metallic have been marked by positive responses from customers and partners. The product’s smart configuration wizard has been well-received, providing users with personalized recommendations for their backup setups. Additionally, the unique personality of Metallic has resonated with users, creating a strong brand identity.

The Significance of Endpoint Protection

Janet discusses the significance of endpoint protection, particularly in the context of remote work and field operations. She emphasizes the need for robust data protection strategies in distributed and mobile environments, especially in light of the current global pandemic.

The New Endpoint Protection Offer

Janet introduces a new offering from Metallic in response to COVID-19. The offering provides free endpoint protection for organizations until September 1st, with support for up to 1,000 endpoints per customer. This initiative aims to support the remote workforce shift and alleviate technology-related stress for organizations during this challenging time.

Conclusion

The evolution of Metallic as a SaaS-focused division of Commvault reflects the changing landscape of data protection and cloud delivery. With a strong emphasis on security, scalability, and partner engagement, Metallic is poised to make a significant impact in the data protection market.

In the next episode of Conversations with Des, we will delve deeper into the role of SaaS data protection in the context of remote work and the considerations for organizations in adapting to the new normal.

Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and in-depth discussions on the latest trends in technology and business.

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