NetApp launches cloud partner programme

GetSuccessful aims to match resellers and service providers

The growth in cloud computing has led storage vendor NetApp to launch a series of training workshops for its channel partners.

The GetSuccessful Cloud Services Programme is available to all of NetApp's 300 reseller partners looking to take their first steps into cloud computing, as well as its 20 service providers.

Recommendations will be made by NetApp, whose annual revenue for 2011 was $5.1bn, as to which partners would work best together.

The partner programme coincides with the launch of NetApp's FAS2200 series. The product, which is aimed at midsize businesses, is a flexible storage solution and is claimed to increase efficiency and performance.

Peter Rawden, partner sales director at NetApp, is leading the partner programme, which is of no additional cost to partners.

He said: "We can shortcut the process of choosing who to work with by helping partners go through the decision-making process.

"The programme helps them look at all of the areas that need consideration. Ours is a facilitation role and that of sharing of best practice."

GetSuccessful, which operates no specific acceptance criteria and is being launched off the back of a successful pilot scheme, aims to dispel myths surrounding cloud computing.

"When you have worked around a business model for a certain period of time, to then look at something brand new is something that you want to do thoroughly, and that's what GetSuccessful is for," added Rowden.