NetApp gets partners ready for the Cloud

Update: Chris @Register has done some detailed work on the ONTAP 8 trying to decipher the Cloud game NetApp wants to play.

The enhancements include a new version of its Data ONTAP operating system, a new technology for seamlessly moving complete data volumes across multiple storage systems, a new version of its add-on modules for increasing storage performance, and a new high-density capacity expansion device for its storage appliances.

The goal of the new products is to provide more of the key elements customers need when considering cloud computing, said Jay Kidd, chief marketing officer at NetApp.

Kidd defined cloud computing as a business model for delivering IT as a service, and said it comes in two forms, including private clouds built specifically for a single customer, and public clouds featuring shared IT or non-IT capabilities that are available for anyone to use.

NetApp wants to bring solution providers and their customers the hardware and software to help take advantage of cloud computing, Kidd said. However, the company has no desire to offer cloud computing services, which Kidd said would mean competing with many of its own customers.

“We won’t compete by offering our own services,” he said. “We offer the technology and capability to develop and operate cloud services, including storage, server and networking technology. Our product offering is in storage and data management, but when we work with customers, we help them with related services such as how to deploy virtual servers and manage networks.”

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