Stratoscale

Stratoscale provides a comprehensive software solution for enterprise data centers, enabling on-premises deployment of AWS-compatible infrastructure and services. Its hyperconverged platform streamlines IT operations, creating a unified private cloud environment within existing hardware. This technology improves data center efficiency and performance, offering rapid "zero-to-cloud" deployment by integrating virtualization and container orchestration for cloud-native workloads.

Founded in 2013 by Ariel Maislos and Etay Bogner, Stratoscale emerged from the insight that enterprises require public cloud agility and scalability within their own data centers. Maislos, a serial entrepreneur with successful prior ventures, and Bogner recognized the demand for private cloud solutions mirroring public cloud capabilities, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional data center operations and evolving cloud-centric development.

Stratoscale targets large enterprises modernizing data center infrastructure without full public cloud migration. Its vision empowers businesses with data control, offering operational benefits and efficiency comparable to leading public cloud environments for on-premises IT. The company continually strives to provide a robust and flexible foundation for modern enterprise IT.

# Stratoscale: A Company Overview

There are two distinct companies named Stratoscale operating in different sectors: one is a defunct cloud infrastructure provider, while the other is an active cybersecurity firm. This overview addresses both to clarify the distinction.

High-Level Overview

Stratoscale (Cloud Infrastructure) was a software-defined data center platform company founded in 2013 that provided AWS-compatible infrastructure and services for enterprise environments[1]. The company delivered Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS), and Container-as-a-Service (CaaS) solutions designed to run on any hardware, enabling organizations to build private clouds within existing data centers[5]. It served enterprises seeking multi-cloud and hybrid application capabilities without vendor lock-in. However, the company ceased operations in December 2019 after raising $69 million in total funding[1].

Stratascale (Cybersecurity) is a modern, active cybersecurity and managed services firm that helps organizations transform cybersecurity into a business enabler[8]. The company combines strategy, hands-on implementation, and deep technical expertise to address fragmented security challenges across enterprise environments[7].

Origin Story

The original Stratoscale emerged in 2013 during the rise of cloud computing and hyperconvergence. The company was based in Sunnyvale, California, and attracted investment from notable backers including Cisco Investments[5]. Its mission was to "redefine the compute stack" by enabling enterprises to leverage cloud-native architectures within their own data centers[4]. The company operated for approximately six years before shutting down operations.

Stratascale (the cybersecurity firm) represents a different entity, built by practitioners and former security leaders focused on solving enterprise security challenges through integrated solutions rather than point products[7].

Core Differentiators

Stratoscale (Cloud Infrastructure)

• Hardware-agnostic software platform that ran on any infrastructure[9]
• Public cloud APIs enabling multi-cloud and hybrid workloads[5]
• Centralized management features including user access control, self-service portals, and integrated metering for chargeback[5]
• Support for DevOps and Infrastructure-as-Code practices in enterprise settings[5]

Stratascale (Cybersecurity)

• Integrated approach connecting people, processes, and technology rather than relying on fragmented tools[7]
• Deep expertise in Microsoft security solutions, including Sentinel, Defenders, and Purview[7]
• Professional services-led model with experienced consultants (26+ years in infrastructure and security)[7]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

The original Stratoscale operated at the intersection of two major trends: the enterprise shift toward cloud computing and the desire to avoid public cloud vendor lock-in. The company addressed a genuine market need for on-premises cloud capabilities during the early 2010s, when hybrid cloud architectures were gaining traction. However, it ultimately could not sustain operations, suggesting the market for standalone hyperconverged infrastructure solutions faced consolidation pressures or competitive challenges from larger vendors.

Stratascale operates in the cybersecurity services market, where enterprises increasingly seek integrated solutions and managed services rather than managing multiple point products. This aligns with broader industry trends toward security consolidation and the outsourcing of security operations to specialized firms.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

The original Stratoscale represents a cautionary tale in enterprise infrastructure: despite strong backing and a compelling value proposition, the company could not achieve sustainable growth in a market increasingly dominated by hyperscale cloud providers and established infrastructure vendors. Its closure in 2019 reflects the difficulty of competing in infrastructure software without achieving significant scale or differentiation.

Stratascale, the cybersecurity firm, operates in a more favorable market environment where demand for managed security services continues to grow. The company's focus on integration and strategic implementation positions it well within the broader shift toward security-as-a-business-function rather than a purely technical concern. Its future likely depends on expanding its service offerings and deepening relationships with enterprise clients seeking comprehensive security transformation.