Cloud-based storage solutions provider Exablox has hired a channel executive veteran to lead its sales team and oversee its channel strategy. Ezra Hookano, the former vice president of Channel Sales at Fusion-io, has joined the company.

Hookano has more than 20 years of sales experience in the technology sector. And it looks like a good sales veteran to have on Exablox's side. At Fusion-io, Hookano drove the company's revenue growth that led to its multi-billion dollar IPO. Before that, he spent six years as Barracuda Networks' first vice president of North American Sales, where he also helped to lead the company toward an IPO.

Prior to Fusion-io and Barracuda, Hookano held executives sales positions at several successful startups that were later acquired, including Clyde Digital/Raxo (acquired by Symantec), Dayna Communications (now owned by Intel) and Phobos (purchased by SonicWall).

Hookano has had his successes, for sure. And he has helped to drive zero sales to more than $200 million in revenue.

But for the channel, the critical element is Hookano's long relationship with partners. Besides leading Fusion-io's channel organization, Hookano also developed channel programs and received awards for his efforts in developing such programs.

"Today's storage needs have created an explosive demand for innovative solutions that are powerful, scalable and easy to use, all while remaining cost-accessible," Hookano said in a prepared statement. "Exablox's disruptive technology is poised to meet that need for organizations of all sizes."

This could mean an increased focus on driving sales through the channel for Exablox. The company already sells through the channel and two distributors. What's in store for the company? We'll have to wait.