SMB Cloud

In some ways, Axcient competes in the BDR (backup and disaster recovery) market against emerging software and cloud storage companies, especially those that engage MSPs (managed services providers). But in other ways, Axcient is thinking bigger — taking aim at big installed bases of backup software, such as Symantec Backup Exec.

Axcient CEO Justin Moore claims the updated Axcient Cloud Continuity service is “instantaneous,” firing up applications and data in the cloud in roughly the time that it takes a server to reboot. During a phone call last night, Moore described how the Cloud Continuity service essentially takes a snapshot of an SMB’s entire network configuration/topology, and then reproduces it in the Axcient Cloud.

According to a prepared statement:

Axcient is playing a high-stakes game in the cloud storage market. The company recently hired John Finegan, a CFO who has extensive IPO (initial public offering) experience. I believe Axcient has raised about $35 million to date (I’m on a flight; actual figures not handy).

Another recent hire is Director of Business Operations Elias Dayeh. He previously was director of business operations at Motorola Mobility (which Google acquired), where Dayeh oversaw the strategy and rollout of third-party party Software Bill of Materials as well as a Salesforce.com implementation.

I don’t have a feel for Axcient’s march to profitability, overall revenues or burn rate. But the continued R&D rollouts, venture capital and strategic hires suggest the company remains focused on aggressive growth.