What happens when enterprise storage finally catches up with the needs of AI-driven workloads and hybrid cloud architectures? In this premiere episode of IT Infrastructure as a Conversation, recorded during the IT Press Tour in Silicon Valley, I sat down with David Flynn, CEO of Hammerspace, to unpack how his team is rethinking the foundations of enterprise data storage.

As businesses grapple with ever-expanding datasets, scattered infrastructures, and the pressure to enable real-time AI, Hammerspace is stepping in with a distinctive vision. David shares how their Global Data Platform removes long-standing storage bottlenecks by enabling unstructured data to be orchestrated across edge, cloud, and data center environments—without the friction of traditional silos.

We explore how the Parallel Network File System (pNFS) is playing a central role in this transformation. David demystifies why it’s suddenly gaining traction and how it supports the high-performance demands of modern workloads. But more importantly, he explains why orchestration—not just accessibility—is the real differentiator.

The conversation also challenges assumptions about global namespaces. While they’ve become a buzzword in storage circles, David argues that without true orchestration, they fall short. He outlines how Hammerspace combines both to make data truly fluid—instantly accessible where and when it’s needed.

As AI continues to reshape enterprise demands, this episode offers a window into what’s next for storage architecture, data management, and the infrastructure decisions that support them. We also touch on Hammerspace’s rapid rise, tenfold revenue growth, and its growing leadership team—all signs of a company hitting its stride at just the right moment.

Are we entering a new era where storage finally adapts to meet the needs of AI and hybrid cloud? Let me know your take. I’d love to hear what you think.