NetApp vows to fix supply woes
Storage giant admits to being caught short by high demand for new product
NetApp has assured partners that the problems blighting the supply of its mid-range FAS3200 storage family will soon be rectified.
The FAS3200 range was launched last November and has reportedly become the fastest-selling product line in NetApp's history.
With the release of its third-quarter results this month, the vendor confirmed it was struggling to cope with the demand for FAS3200.
Tom Georgens, chief executive of NetApp, said: "We have experienced the fastest uptake for a new product in NetApp's history and demand has exceeded supply."
In a statement to ChannelWeb, Pete Rawden, NetApp's partner sales director for the UK and Ireland, admitted that demand for the product had caught the firm by surprise.
"Customers converted to the new FAS3200 platform four times faster than we had projected, significantly exceeding our expectations," he said. "As a result, we have experienced some materials constraints, which have delayed shipment of the new product."
Rawden said NetApp has been "working tirelessly" to rectify the situation and that shipment speeds would soon be back to normal.
Paul Hickingbotham, solutions manager at NetApp distributor Hammer, said the firm has experienced delays in getting hold of the FAS3200 kit in recent weeks.
"There have been some delays in fulfilment of deals [but] most customers are prepared to wait," said Hickingbotham. "And with demand being so high, this is a positive thing."
Matt Earle, NetApp business manager at distributor Avnet, said the delays were not harming business.
He said: "Any delays being experienced are not impacting orders which I believe is testament to the quality and popularity of the products."
Scott Fletcher, chief executive of NetApp Star partner ANS Group, said most VARs are accustomed to shipment delays: "By picking your vendors and having a close relationship with them, you can often expedite orders when the need is urgent."