Pure Storage targets AI complexity with a unified data cloud, Azure integration, and embedded security

New features unveiled at Pure//Accelerate promise easier cloud migration, smarter Kubernetes ops, and built-in threat detection, helping CIOs manage data sprawl and AI risk across hybrid environments.

Pure Storage unveiled a raft of platform enhancements at its Pure//Accelerate conference this week, targeting enterprises struggling to manage data across fragmented cloud environments while implementing AI initiatives.

The storage vendor made three major announcements: cloud integration with Microsoft Azure, AI-powered management tools, and security partnerships with companies including CrowdStrike. The moves are part of Pure Storage’s strategy to expand beyond traditional storage into what it calls an “Enterprise Data Cloud” platform.

“In today’s AI era, access to data is everything,” Pure Storage Chief Technology Officer Rob Lee said in a statement. “Managing your data, not just storing it, is the new foundation for AI-readiness from cloud to core to edge.”

Azure integration targets VMware migration bottlenecks

The company launched its Azure Native service, which helps companies move VMware workloads to Microsoft’s cloud. The service lets customers migrate applications without rewriting code, according to the company.

The service offers what Pure Storage described as “a first-of-its-kind service built for Azure VMware Solution” and is available now within the Azure portal as a fully managed service.

Pure Storage said it developed the service through Microsoft’s Azure Native Integrations program and offers it as a fully managed service within the Azure portal. The company said the integration represents its most direct challenge to cloud-native storage providers that have been winning business from traditional storage vendors.

Pure Storage also expanded its AI Copilot with new features, including Portworx Pure1 AI Copilot for Kubernetes environments. The company said users can now “query Portworx clusters in the same way they interact with FlashArray systems” using natural language.

The vendor also announced integration with Model Context Protocol servers, scheduled for general availability in Q4 FY26. Pure Storage said the feature will let “IT teams troubleshoot, provision, or optimize without deep technical expertise” by connecting storage systems with external analytics and monitoring tools.

For AI workloads, Pure Storage introduced a Key Value Accelerator integration with Nvidia Dynamo for inference operations in multi-GPU environments.

The company also unveiled Purity Deep Reduce, a data reduction engine scheduled for H1 FY27, which utilizes “advanced pattern recognition and similarity-based reduction technologies.”

Security partnerships embed threat detection

Pure Storage announced partnerships aimed at embedding security capabilities directly into storage infrastructure. The company said traditional “bolt-on” security approaches that “exclude the storage platform” leave organizations vulnerable.

A partnership with CrowdStrike, available Q3 FY26, integrates CrowdStrike Threat-Graph with Pure Storage arrays for real-time threat detection. Connection to CrowdStrike Falcon Next-Gen SIEM automates incident response by taking “immediate action to automatically update policies, replicate, and isolate critical systems,” Pure Storage said.

Pure Storage said that when attacks are detected, the system will immediately update policies and isolate critical systems to contain threats.

The company also partnered with Superna for file and user monitoring, targeting data exfiltration and ransomware attacks. The Superna Data Security Essentials integration provides “automated, real-time threat detection and response at the data layer,” with compromised accounts locked when malicious activity is detected, the statement said.

A third partnership with Veeam will offer “Cyber Resilience delivered as a Service” with enterprise-wide visibility and automated recovery capabilities, scheduled for Q4 FY26.

Recovery capabilities for cyber incidents

Pure Storage introduced Pure Protect Recovery Zones, scheduled for Q1 FY27, which automatically provision isolated recovery environments. The company said the feature allows businesses to “non-disruptively test and validate applications and data, or to remediate and recover from malicious attacks without impacting a production environment.”

The vendor also announced updates to its FlashArray portfolio, continuing an expansion of next-generation storage products unveiled earlier at the conference. New models include FlashArray//XL 190, available Q4 FY26, and FlashArray//X R5 and FlashArray//C R5, both available now.

Pure Storage said its Enterprise Data Cloud architecture provides “a unified architecture and operating model that delivers true end-to-end data control, automation, and cyber resilience across any environment.”