Data Protection Software: StorageCraft

Channel Chief: Lee Schor, VP, Americas Sales

A fast-rising software developer out of Draper, Utah, StorageCraft ended EMC's four-year category winning streak with a surprising data protection software sweep.

The company received outstanding grades for product innovation (94.6) and partnership (89.8) to highlight a strong overall score of 89.9. Dell EMC, which had an overall score of 81.8, was runner-up.

Storagecraft was acquired by Boston-based private equity firm TA Associates in January 2016, when it landed a $187 million investment deal aimed at further fueling the channel-focused company's impressive growth.