NetApps opens gateways

Network Appliance signs OEM deal with Hitachi Data Systems

Network Appliance has signed an OEM deal with Hitachi Data Systems (HDS) to allow HDS' channel to sell its NAS gateways. NetApps also unveiled its new SnapLock compliance software.

The NAS gateways do not have any intrinsic storage capacity, but instead allow data to be stored on HDS arrays and be served to a firm's network as if they were stored on a NAS appliance.

"It's a joint product collaboration. Our filer provides an IP gateway to HDS' Fibre Channel arrays," said Tim Pitcher, vice-president of northern Europe at NetApps.

Pitcher added that the product will be sold only through HDS's channel. Products will not be available to NetApps' channel partners, unless they are also certified by HDS.

NetApps also announced new compliance software. With new rules concerning data compliance being introduced by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, vendors are clamouring to launch relevant storage software.

NetApps' SnapLock uses write once, read many (WORM) technology and applies it to the disk environment, Pitcher said.

But he admitted that rivals, such as EMC have launched similar products (CRN, 22 April).

"Having WORM technology on disk is a great idea, whoever brings it out," he said. "Compliance is now paramount for businesses."

Tony Ruane, sales director at storage VAR RedStore, said that an increasing number of end-users were becoming concerned with compliance.

"Firms realise they can't just throw more disks at email overload and compliance problems," he said. "They are looking for a solution to guide them through the minefield of compliance."