Gazzang

Gazzang was a data security startup founded in 2010, specializing in encryption and key management solutions for Linux environments, particularly in cloud and big data deployments.

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Provided encryption and key management for enterprise data platforms.

Gazzang was a data security startup founded in 2010, specializing in encryption and key management solutions for Linux environments, particularly in cloud and big data deployments. The company gained early traction with its zNcrypt and zTrust products, which provided transparent encryption for Hadoop and NoSQL databases. Gazzang was acquired by Cloudera in 2014 for an undisclosed sum, with its technology integrated into Cloudera's enterprise data platform.

Post-acquisition, key executives like CTO Dustin Kirkland moved to other tech roles, including Apex Clearing. Cloudera, now the parent entity, has since pivoted toward hybrid cloud and AI data platforms, with Gazzang's original encryption tools absorbed into broader security offerings. The acquisition was part of Cloudera's push to strengthen data governance capabilities as enterprises adopted Hadoop. Today, Gazzang's legacy exists as part of Cloudera's security stack, though the standalone brand has been discontinued.

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Who buys this

  • Enterprises running Hadoop or NoSQL databases
  • Financial services firms with compliance requirements
  • Healthcare organizations managing sensitive data
  • Government agencies with data security mandates

Strengths and what to watch

Strengths

  • Early mover in Hadoop ecosystem security with specialized Linux encryption
  • Acquisition by Cloudera validated technology in enterprise data space
  • Founding team included veterans from IBM and Canonical

Watch for

  • Original product line discontinued post-acquisition
  • Key executives departed after Cloudera integration
  • Market shift toward cloud-native security reduced relevance of legacy Linux tools

Key Information

Founded
2010
Employees
3446
Country
United States

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Gazzang?

Gazzang was a data security startup founded in 2010, specializing in Linux-based encryption and key management for enterprise platforms. Its zNcrypt and zTrust products secured Hadoop and NoSQL databases. Acquired by Cloudera in 2014, its technology now integrates into Cloudera's broader data security offerings.

Why did Cloudera acquire Gazzang?

Cloudera acquired Gazzang in 2014 to strengthen its data governance capabilities as enterprises adopted Hadoop. The acquisition brought specialized Linux encryption and key management technology into Cloudera's platform, particularly valuable for financial, healthcare, and government sectors with strict compliance requirements.

What happened to Gazzang after acquisition?

Post-acquisition, Gazzang's standalone products were discontinued as its technology integrated into Cloudera's security stack. Key executives like CTO Dustin Kirkland moved to other tech roles. Today, Gazzang's legacy exists within Cloudera's enterprise data platform rather than as separate offerings.

What were Gazzang's main products?

Gazzang's flagship products were zNcrypt for transparent file encryption and zTrust for key management, specifically designed for Linux environments running Hadoop or NoSQL databases. These tools helped enterprises meet compliance mandates while securing sensitive data in cloud and big data deployments.

Who used Gazzang's security solutions?

Gazzang primarily served enterprises running Hadoop/NoSQL, financial firms with compliance needs, healthcare organizations handling sensitive data, and government agencies with security mandates. Its Linux-focused encryption addressed specific pain points in these sectors' data protection strategies during Hadoop's early enterprise adoption phase.

Is Gazzang still relevant today?

While Gazzang's standalone products are discontinued, its encryption technology lives on within Cloudera's security stack. The shift toward cloud-native security has reduced focus on its original Linux tools, but its contributions to Hadoop ecosystem security remain part of enterprise data protection history.

Sources

  1. www.prnewswire.com — Executive movement post-acquisition
  2. www.sec.gov — Cloudera corporate structure post-merger
  3. www.cloudera.com — Current product positioning
  4. www.sec.gov — Financial context