Software-Defined Storage Engineered for a New Era: Lightbits Labs

In the ever-evolving landscape of cloud storage technology, Lightbits Labs stands as a pioneering force, transforming how enterprises approach data storage in both private and public clouds. Led by Eran Kirzner, Co-founder and CEO, Lightbits Labs has developed groundbreaking technology that addresses the performance and scalability needs of today’s digital-first businesses, thanks to its invention of the NVMe® over TCP protocol. With a commitment to seamless cloud integration, intelligent flash management, and unmatched efficiency, Lightbits is redefining storage solutions to empower organizations with high-performance, cost-effective, and flexible infrastructure. When Lightbits Labs introduced the industry’s first product powered by the NVMe/TCP protocol in 2019, it brought a significant leap forward in cloud storage technology. This protocol allows enterprises to harness the speed and efficiency of NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) over standard Ethernet networks, replacing the costly and complex alternatives like Fibre Channel and iSCSI. The shift to NVMe/TCP enables a more agile and scalable data storage solution that meets the requirements of modern applications, from AI-driven analytics to large-scale databases, all while providing lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

Unlike traditional storage architectures, which often depend on specific hardware, Lightbits Labs offers a disaggregated, software-defined approach. This flexibility allows their software to work on various server and networking configurations, giving clients the freedom to optimize infrastructure according to business demands and eliminating costly hardware lock-ins. For Kirzner, this innovation is foundational to helping enterprises keep pace with ever-growing data needs without sacrificing performance or efficiency.

“Digital transformation requires a storage architecture that’s as agile as the applications it supports,” Kirzner says. “Lightbits Labs allows organizations to scale their storage as they scale their digital operations, without the costs and constraints that typically hold businesses back.”

Intelligent Flash Management: Extending the Life of Storage

A unique aspect of Lightbits Labs’ solution is its Intelligent Flash Management system, which optimizes storage efficiency and significantly extends the lifespan of QLC (quad-level cell) SSDs. QLC SSDs offer high-density and lower-cost storage options but have historically posed challenges in terms of endurance. Lightbits’ proprietary flash management technology enhances the durability of QLC SSDs by up to 20 times, delivering not only better performance but also substantial cost savings over time. This innovation is particularly relevant in the era of big data, where demand for high-speed, high-capacity storage is paramount.

By combining the NVMe/TCP protocol with Intelligent Flash Management, Lightbits Labs has created a solution that’s efficient in both performance and cost. This unique combination allows enterprises to leverage high-density storage without worrying about the risk of premature wear and tear. It’s a competitive edge that has made Lightbits a preferred choice for organizations looking to maximize their return on investment in cloud storage.

Scaling for Cloud-Native and Mission-Critical Applications

Lightbits Labs’ technology is designed to address the challenges facing cloud-native and mission-critical applications. In sectors where real-time data access and low-latency performance are essential—such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce—the NVMe/TCP-based storage solution from Lightbits delivers consistent sub-millisecond latency. This performance level is crucial for organizations managing vast amounts of data across multiple platforms, from on-premises systems to edge and hybrid clouds.

Today’s enterprises increasingly rely on scalable, cloud-native architectures to stay agile and competitive. Lightbits Labs has positioned itself as a solution for Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Storage-as-a-Service (STaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) models, offering the flexibility that cloud providers and IT departments demand. It integrates seamlessly with popular orchestration tools like Kubernetes, OpenStack, VMware, and Red Hat OpenShift, allowing companies to manage storage across multiple environments from a single interface.

“Cloud providers and enterprises need a storage solution that can handle the demands of a dynamic digital environment,” Kirzner explains. “Lightbits delivers the agility, scalability, and performance required to support applications that demand high throughput and rapid response times.”

Lightbits Block Storage on AWS: A Game-Changer in Public Cloud Efficiency

With its availability on the AWS Marketplace, Lightbits Block Storage on AWS extends its high-performance block storage capabilities to enterprises running workloads on Amazon’s cloud platform. This integration enables organizations to quickly allocate data volumes on AWS instances and manage data across both cloud and on-premises environments. The benefits are clear: improved efficiency, up to 90% cost savings compared to other block storage options, and the ability to handle large workloads with ease.

The Lightbits platform on AWS boasts impressive benchmarks, offering up to 1 million input/output operations per second (IOPS) per volume and six times faster speeds than many competing cloud storage solutions. These performance metrics make it particularly attractive for companies moving to a cloud-first model, enabling them to seamlessly transition even high-performance databases and applications to AWS without compromising speed or reliability.

The Road Ahead: Empowering Digital Transformation with Agile Storage Solutions

As the cloud storage market grows, Lightbits Labs remains at the forefront, thanks to its visionary approach and focus on user-centered innovation. The NVMe/TCP protocol is a groundbreaking achievement, but Kirzner and his team are continually seeking ways to expand the platform’s capabilities and reach. Whether it’s optimizing flash management, advancing storage protocols, or enhancing integration with the leading cloud providers, Lightbits Labs is committed to delivering unparalleled value for its customers.

For organizations navigating the complex digital landscape, Lightbits Labs provides a pathway to a more agile, resilient, and cost-effective storage infrastructure. With technology that seamlessly adapts to evolving needs, Lightbits empowers enterprises to move beyond traditional constraints and unlock the full potential of the cloud. As businesses across the globe continue to embrace digital transformation, Lightbits Labs is leading the way, enabling them to meet the demands of today while building for the future.

Eran Kirzner, Co-Founder and CEO

“Lightbits delivers the agility, scalability, and performance required to support applications that demand high throughput and rapid response times.”