NetApp launches mid-tier system for data lakes, partners with Zaloni

NetApp on Thursday launched a new version of its SANtricity storage software and entry-level all-flash array designed to cater to midsized businesses.

The move comes amid a bevy of tech vendors courting mid-sized companies. Mike McNamara, senior director product marketing at NetApp, noted the system, NetApp E2800, is designed for analytics and data lake management.

Data lakes are systems that aim to put data in one place so companies can extract insights. Typically, data lakes have been used by large companies in big data projects, but McNamara said the approach is working its way toward smaller companies.

NetApp also said it is partnering with Zaloni, which specializes in data lake management, to manage the information lifecycle as companies use Hadoop, NoSQL and tools like Splunk.

SANtricity will also be managed via a browser along with SANtricity System Manager. E-series systems are also validated to work with Zaloni's Bedrock software for data lakes. "Data lakes started with the enterprise, but the midtier companies are starting to generate more interest," said McNamara.