NetApp on a mission to take cloud by storm

Storage vendor bustles into cloud computing space with first architecture overhaul in four years

The sky's the limit: NetApp's Data OnTap 8 operating system has added cloud computing services

NetApp is throwing its hat firmly into the cloud computing ring with the launch of its first major architecture update in four years.

The vendor’s Data OnTap 8 operating system will feature new cloud services, which the channel can use as a foundation upon which to build, NetApp has claimed.

John Rollason, EMEA product marketing manager at NetApp, said: “One of the major features is Secure Multi-Tenancy, so partners can deploy a shared infrastructure across separate user groups, with NetApp’s Multi-Store technology.

“NetApp has taken the capabilities of its previous cloud offerings and added to them.”

He added: “This is an evolution of what we have offered for many years, but we wanted to put our stake in the ground as there is enough evidence now to show that cloud is not just hype.”

Rollason also said the new cloud services that NetApp will be releasing are for partners only: “We will not be taking our services direct because we do not want to compete with our channel.”

Stephen Lester, director of IT at NetApp distributor Avnet Technology Solutions, said: “Our reseller partners have the choice of selling or leasing equipment to their customers, or taking advantage of our infrastructure-as-a-service offering.

“With NetApp our partners can offer their customers the benefits of a datacentre without the capital expenditure and issues of having to own and operate one.”