ExaGrid Named 'Data Backup Solution of the Year'

Leading Market Intelligence Program Honors Innovation in Analytics, AI, DataOps and Next-Generation Data Technologies

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:05pm

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D macro illustration of a futuristic data storage array, with illuminated circuit boards, fiber optic cables, and a sleek, angular chassis in shades of neon blue and violet, conceptually representing advanced, secure digital infrastructure that protects against cyber threats.ExaGrid's innovative Tiered Backup Storage solution offers organizations increased readiness and resilience against the growing threat of ransomware attacks.Los Angeles Today

ExaGrid, the leader in Tiered Backup Storage, has been selected as the winner of the 'Data Backup Solution of the Year' award in the 7th annual Data Breakthrough Awards program. ExaGrid's Tiered Backup Storage architecture is purpose-built to deliver both performance and protection, without the tradeoffs typically found in traditional storage approaches.

Why it matters

ExaGrid's solution addresses the growing challenge of securely storing and rapidly recovering backup data in an era of escalating ransomware threats. Its innovative approach, including a front-end disk cache Landing Zone and a separate, non-network-facing Repository Tier, provides organizations with a powerful combination of speed, efficiency, and resilience to ensure backup data remains both accessible and protected.

The details

At the core of ExaGrid's solution is a front-end disk cache, known as the Landing Zone, which enables fast backups and near-instant restores using data in its native, undeduplicated format. Behind it, a separate, non-network-facing Repository Tier (with a tiered air gap) stores deduplicated data for long-term retention, dramatically reducing storage costs while enhancing security through immutability and delayed delete policies. ExaGrid has also introduced Auto Detect & Guard as part of its AI-Powered Retention Time-Lock for Ransomware Recovery, which continuously monitors delete activity, learns normal usage patterns, and flags anomalies in real time to prevent data loss.

  • ExaGrid was named the 'Data Backup Solution of the Year' in the 7th annual Data Breakthrough Awards program on April 16, 2026.

The players

ExaGrid

The leader in Tiered Backup Storage, providing a purpose-built solution to deliver both performance and protection for backup data.

Data Breakthrough

An independent market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies, and products in the global data technology market.

Bill Andrews

President and CEO of ExaGrid.

Steve Johansson

Managing Director of Data Breakthrough.

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What they’re saying

“It's no secret that ransomware attacks are pervasive, disrupting organizations both operationally and financially. Ensuring the security of data is crucial, and the two key measures to achieve this are air-gapping and immutability. So we built our solution with a front-end disk-cache Landing Zone and a separate Repository Tier to contain all retention data.”

— Bill Andrews, President and CEO of ExaGrid

“With ExaGrid, you don't only get a disk, but also memory, bandwidth and processing power. ExaGrid offers the most comprehensive security of any backup storage solution along with a number of disaster recovery options for business continuity. This, along with continued breakthrough innovation, makes them our pick for 'Data Backup Solution of the Year!'”

— Steve Johansson, Managing Director, Data Breakthrough

What’s next

ExaGrid will continue to innovate and enhance its Tiered Backup Storage solution to help organizations increase their readiness, prevention, detection/response, and recovery capabilities against ransomware attacks.

The takeaway

ExaGrid's Tiered Backup Storage architecture, with its unique combination of speed, efficiency, and comprehensive security features, positions the company as a leader in providing data backup solutions that can effectively address the growing threat of ransomware attacks and ensure the protection of critical business data.