NetApp revamps product lineup to court next-gen data center spending
NetApp on Tuesday revamped its high-end and mid-range storage systems and launched a shared architecture as it aims to grab a bigger chunk of the data center overhaul pie.
In a nutshell, NetApp is updating 80 percent of its product lineup. That's a big launch. Meanwhile, NetApp unveiled a unified software architecture as well as FlexPod for VMware, an integrated standardized architecture design with Cisco, NetApp and VMware.
Patrick Rogers, vice president of solutions marketing at NetApp, said that demand for new data center designs is continuing to grow. "Customers are looking for flexibility and redeploy assets," said Rogers. "A unified architecture is critical to scaling up the data center."
Here's the rundown of NetApp's product overhaul. NetApp launched:
- NetApp Data Ontap 8. This software is a unified system that will support all protocols and make management easier across all storage volumes. NetApp is hoping that one unified storage operating and management system will woo companies building next-gen data centers.
- New storage systems galore. NetApp rolled out three new high-end storage systems dubbed FAS/V6280, FAS/V6240 and FAS/V6210. These systems run on NetApp's unified systems and add higher performance chips. In addition, NetApp unveiled three midrange systems: FAS/V3270, FAS/V3240 and FAS/V3210. In total, NetApp launched 12 systems: FAS6280, FAS6240, FAS6210, V6280, V6240, V6210, FAS3270, FAS3240, FAS3210, V3270, V3240 and V3210.
- The FlexPod modular design. NetApp teamed up with Cisco and VMware to create a standard architecture design. The move was made to make it easier for channel partners to integrate Cisco, VMware and NetApp wares. Rogers said that NetApp has had "hundreds of installs" with Cisco's Unified Computer System and VMware.
- New solid state drives (SSDs). NetApp is adding SSDs as data centers are increasingly used them for data that requires fast response times.
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