I also have wondered about the question for which Z can't seem to get an answer. It seems Overland is first mover with this Bit Torrent technology but it does not appear to be proprietary, i.e., other companies could cut the same deal with Bit Torrent.
The advantage might simply be that there are few companies that are end to end in this space - desktop to storage. Also, much profit comes to competitors for the storage provided under the existing model so many customers would welcome the speed, enhanced security and lower cost of the Overland/Bit Torrent approach.
But, given these advantages, how many providers there will be of this paradigm shift? Just Sphere? Seems unlikely. Other players will likely step in should we see success with customers moving in this direction unless someone can explain something unique about the capabilities of our products versus competitors. Or that we have a contractual agreement with Bit Torrent precluding others from securing the same technology. And as a follow on to Z's inquiry, where is the revenue? Is it solely hardware based since the revenue from a private cloud would not seem to entail transaction costs. A week or so ago someone asked that question too and I do not recall an answer.
I agree the speed, cost and private cloud aspects are compelling. In solving so many problems a good case can be made that it is the future, so to speak. And it seems an excellent way to break the status quo and gain a foothold with customers, particularly as a first mover. But I for one would like an answer to the big question:
ARE WE ALONE?
And if not... WHEN WILL THE ALIENS ARRIVE?
