Backup provider StorServer has expanded beyond its core appliances based on IBM’s (IBM) Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) with a new agreement to offer solutions based on Commvault’s (CVLT) Simpana 10 data and information management software.

The deal, which marks the first time StorServer has offered hardware incorporating an enterprise data protection engine other than TSM, will enable the company to reach a wider range of customers in its mid-market sweet spot with pre-configured and pre-tested appliances built on the Simpana 10 software.

The Simpana software blends physical and virtual machine protection, hardware snapshots, workflow automation, endpoint protection, global deduplication, replication, search and intuitive reporting within a single platform.

StorServer said it will back the new line by extending its reseller network and support services to provide point of sale and maintenance support for CommVault customers.

“We made the decision to expand our product offering because CommVault has taken a leadership role in the data protection industry, and it is in our customers’ best interest to support the Simpana software,” said Bill Smoldt, StorServer president.

“Both IBM and CommVault offer the proven elegant enterprise data protection solutions that our customers want and need in today’s competitive environment,” he said. “In one sense, we’re simply adding the ability to have a second engine on our appliance. In another sense, we’re broadening our enterprise appliance reach with another robust data protection option.”

As of Friday, November 15, the CommVault appliances will be available as options in the current STORServer product lineup. The CommVault BA600 model is sized for IT shops, corporate departments or branch offices with 1-5 TB of data. Appliances are also available in three of the Enterprise Backup Appliance models (EBA800, EBA1200 and EBA2200) aimed at organizations with 1 PB of data to protect. The appliances will be priced starting at about $10,000, with software offered in both capacity and client/application-based license options, StorServer said.

“The key to unlocking value from business data begins with having an easy way to instantly protect, recover and access current and historical information,” said David West, Commvault worldwide marketing and business development senior vice president.