In an era where cyberattacks have evolved into a sophisticated industry, Sanjay Mirchandani, CEO of Commvault, discusses his company’s proactive approach to cloud cybersecurity. Speaking with CNBC, Mirchandani emphasized the company’s role in protecting customer data and its strategy to achieve ambitious growth targets.

“Cyberattacks are no longer just hacks; they are full-on assaults involving nation-states and advanced technologies,” said Mirchandani. “We focus on building out our cloud capability and platform centered around cyber resilience to protect our customers in this challenging environment.”

Commvault’s shares have reached an all-time high, with management targeting a billion dollars in annual recurring revenue by the end of fiscal 2026. This optimistic projection comes as the company distinguishes itself from competitors like Rubrik, which recently went public with a successful IPO. Mirchandani attributed Commvault’s success to its dual approach of technological innovation and business simplification. “There is an absolute need for our platform, and we are keeping things simple on the business side to deliver the results,” he explained.

Revolutionizing Data Recovery

Commvault’s advanced data recovery technology is a beacon of hope in an increasingly perilous cyber landscape. The ability to restore operations quickly and securely following a ransomware attack is a game-changer for many businesses. Sanjay Mirchandani emphasized the importance of trust in the recovery process: “During an attack, trust in your infrastructure is completely eroded. Our technology provides a clean, trusted space where customers can safely restore their core data and infrastructure settings while conducting forensics to understand the breach.”

This innovation is not just about recovery but about ensuring the restored environment is free from malicious code, preventing reinfection. “What sets our technology apart is the assurance it offers to businesses. They can resume operations knowing their data is clean and secure,” Mirchandani explained. The technology’s ability to simultaneously handle recovery and forensic analysis is a significant advancement, allowing businesses to bounce back swiftly while understanding the root cause of the breach.

Democratizing Data Security

Commvault’s approach to democratizing data recovery means that small and medium-sized enterprises now have access to capabilities that were once the preserve of large corporations. “We’ve taken a solution traditionally available only to large companies and made it accessible to everyone,” said Mirchandani. This playing field leveling is crucial as cyber threats do not discriminate by company size.

Another highlight is the technology’s flexibility, enabling businesses to recover specific applications without waiting for a full system restore. “Our platform gives customers the agility to bring back critical applications first, ensuring minimal downtime,” Mirchandani noted. This modular recovery capability is critical for businesses that cannot afford prolonged disruptions.

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— Commvault (@Commvault) May 21, 2024

Customer Testimonials and Market Response

Feedback from Commvault’s customers underscores the transformative impact of their data recovery solutions. A mid-sized financial firm’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) shared, “Commvault’s technology was pivotal during our recovery from a ransomware attack. The clean, secure environment allowed us to get back to business swiftly and confidently.”

Industry analysts have also noted Commvault’s innovative approach. “Commvault’s focus on providing a secure, pristine recovery environment sets a new standard in the industry,” commented a leading cybersecurity analyst. Their commitment to democratizing these capabilities ensures that even smaller firms can protect themselves against sophisticated cyber threats.”

As cyber threats continue to evolve, Commvault’s revolutionary data recovery technology offers a robust shield, ensuring businesses can recover swiftly and securely, maintaining the trust of their customers and stakeholders. Mirchandani’s vision of a democratized, secure digital landscape is not just a goal but a reality, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Balancing Growth and Profitability

In the high-stakes arena of cloud cybersecurity, balancing rapid growth with sustained profitability is a challenge few companies navigate successfully. Commvault, under the leadership of CEO Sanjay Mirchandani, is demonstrating how this balance can be achieved through strategic planning and disciplined execution. “We are committed to building a responsible company, not pursuing growth at all costs,” Mirchandani stated. “Our focus is on sustainable growth that aligns with delivering consistent value to our customers and shareholders.”

Commvault’s financial results underscore this strategy. In the second half of its fiscal year, the company reported double-digit growth, setting ambitious yet achievable targets for the future. “We’ve set a goal of reaching a billion dollars in annual recurring revenue by 2026, and we’re well on our way,” Mirchandani said. This confidence is bolstered by the company’s robust performance, including nearly $200 million in free cash flow and significant stock buybacks totaling almost $600 million.

Strategic Investments and Cost Management

One key to Commvault’s success has been its ability to invest strategically while maintaining cost discipline. A significant portion of their growth is driven by their SaaS offerings, which now account for a third of their business. “The shift to SaaS is critical because it aligns with how customers are looking at the future of data protection and cyber resilience,” Mirchandani explained. This transition not only meets customer needs but also provides a predictable revenue stream that supports ongoing investment in innovation.

The company’s partnership with Dell is another strategic move that enhances its market position. “Partnering with Dell allows us to offer a modern data protection solution that meets the needs of customers with existing Dell infrastructures,” Mirchandani noted. This collaboration helps Commvault penetrate markets dominated by incumbents, providing a competitive edge.

Maintaining Competitive Edge

Competing with nimble upstart companies requires more than just robust technology; it demands operational efficiency and market responsiveness. “Our business model is designed to deliver profitability without sacrificing growth,” Mirchandani emphasized. This approach has allowed Commvault to differentiate itself from younger competitors who may prioritize rapid expansion over sustainable practices.

Investors have responded positively to this balanced strategy. “Commvault’s disciplined approach to growth and profitability sets it apart in a crowded market,” commented a prominent industry analyst. “Their ability to deliver consistent financial performance while investing in key areas like SaaS and strategic partnerships is a testament to their strong leadership and clear vision.”

Many companies don’t have the time, money, or staff required to test all interdependencies to know they can recover when attacked. Addressing this problem, #Commvault has reimagined #cleanroom from the ground up. Find out more here: https://t.co/DoRBSq8x9I

— Commvault (@Commvault) May 20, 2024

As Commvault continues to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape, its balanced approach serves as a blueprint for success. By aligning growth ambitions with profitability goals, the company ensures it remains a reliable partner for customers and a sound investment for shareholders. Mirchandani’s vision of a responsible, growth-oriented company is not just aspirational but a reality, positioning Commvault as a leader in the industry.

Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects

Commvault’s strategic partnerships play a crucial role in its vision for the future, enhancing its ability to offer comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions to its clients. One of the most significant of these partnerships is with Dell. “Partnering with Dell allows us to offer a modern data protection solution that meets the needs of customers with existing Dell infrastructures,” Mirchandani highlighted. This collaboration broadens Commvault’s market reach and reinforces its position as a trusted leader in data protection and cyber resilience.

Leveraging Partner Ecosystems

The Dell partnership exemplifies Commvault’s strategy of leveraging established ecosystems to deliver superior solutions. By integrating its offerings with Dell’s robust infrastructure, Commvault provides a seamless and efficient experience for customers looking to modernize their data protection capabilities. “Our partnership with Dell is designed to help customers who want modern data and cyber resilience capability,” Mirchandani said. This integration helps customers navigate the complexities of modern IT environments, ensuring they can recover swiftly and securely from cyberattacks.

In addition to Dell, Commvault collaborates with other key players in the tech industry to expand its solution portfolio and enhance its market presence. These alliances are instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring that Commvault remains at the forefront of technological advancements in data protection. “Strategic partnerships are critical to our growth strategy,” Mirchandani explained. “They enable us to deliver more value to our customers by integrating best-of-breed technologies and providing comprehensive solutions.”

Looking Ahead: Future Prospects

Commvault’s forward-looking strategy is centered on continuous innovation and adaptation to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. The company is committed to staying ahead of emerging threats and delivering solutions that meet its customers’ changing needs. “The cybersecurity landscape is dynamic, and we must be agile in our approach,” Mirchandani noted. Our focus is on anticipating future challenges and developing solutions that not only address current threats but also prepare our customers for what’s next.”

The company’s investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is a testament to this forward-thinking approach. These technologies enhance Commvault’s data protection solutions, enabling faster detection and response to cyber threats. “AI and ML are game-changers in cybersecurity,” Mirchandani said. “They allow us to identify patterns and anomalies that human analysts might miss, providing an additional layer of protection for our customers.”

Commitment to Customer Success

At the heart of Commvault’s strategy is a steadfast commitment to customer success. By prioritizing its customers’ needs and delivering solutions that drive business value, Commvault ensures long-term growth and sustainability. “Our customers’ success is our success,” Mirchandani emphasized. We are dedicated to providing solutions that not only protect their data but also empower them to achieve their business objectives.”

The future looks promising as Commvault continues to innovate and expand its partnerships. The company’s balanced approach to growth, strategic investments in technology, and unwavering commitment to customer success position it well for continued leadership in the cybersecurity industry. “We are excited about the future and confident in our ability to deliver on our promises,” Mirchandani concluded. “Commvault is poised for continued success, and we look forward to helping our customers navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”