NetApp channel helps sales rise

Two per cent Q2 revenue rise attributed partly to strong FlexPod growth

NetApp has said its partner strategy and record distributor sales contributions are partly responsible for a rise in second quarter sales, despite posting lower profits.

For the three months to 26 October, NetApp saw sales rise two per cent to $1.5bn (£945m), but its net profit fell to $110m, down 34 per cent compared with the same period last year.

During the quarter, the vendor hiked its research and development and sales and marketing spend by 12 per cent to $224m and seven per cent to $488m, respectively.

Tom Georgens, president of NetApp, said that its partner sales in its FlexPod technology has played a part in the company's sales growth.

He said: "We also saw momentum in our partnering strategy with continued FlexPod growth and a record high revenue contribution from Arrow and Avnet.

"Our focus on delivering best-of-breed storage solutions and the leverage we gain through go-to-market and channel partners will enable NetApp to grow its business and gain share."

The vendor hopes that its revenues will experience further growth in its fiscal Q3, with sales estimates ranging between $1.6bn and $1.7bn.