SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 03, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NetApp (NASDAQ:NTAP), the data authority in a hybrid cloud world, today announced that it is the data services technology of choice behind first-of-its-kind cloud-centric capabilities for the hybrid cloud. The new industry-first enterprise Network File System (NFS) service in the cloud is delivered natively in Azure and powered by NetApp®. NetApp also announced deeper integrations with Azure in Cloud Control for Microsoft Office 365 and NetApp AltaVault™.

Businesses all over the world are embracing cloud to respond faster to customer demands and stay ahead of the competition. According to IDC, today’s file market is at 28EB with cloud growing faster than on-premises at 24.9 percent through 20211. Data-driven companies focused on cloud-first and hybrid cloud strategies need high-performance ways to fuel mission-critical applications in the cloud by using the same enterprise NFS they already rely on.  These visionary companies know that harnessing data through the power of hybrid cloud is key to becoming truly data driven.

“Organizations are adopting cloud at a rapid pace, yet enterprise-level data services are still needed to truly extend workloads like database analytics, email, DevOps, and disaster recovery into the cloud,” said Amita Potnis, research manager, IDC. “With this announcement, NetApp and Microsoft can extend the same Enterprise NFS on which businesses rely without the complexities and administration normally associated with file-based protocols.”

“We’re excited to partner with NetApp to bring enterprise NFS services natively to Azure. Customers can now bring their applications to Azure and continue to get the scale, performance, and reliability offered by NetApp’s leading data services,” said Tad Brockway, general manager, Microsoft Azure Storage at Microsoft Corp. “This partnership is a significant step toward further enabling hybrid cloud data services for our mutual customers.”

Users will be able to access this service directly through the Azure console, delivering superior performance and ease of use. IT leaders will have a transparent reach into premiere cloud data services powered by NetApp.

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1 Source: IDC, Worldwide File- & Object-based Storage Forecast 2017-2021, US42280717, September 2017
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“NetApp and Microsoft understand that companies require a holistic approach to managing data that is secure, efficient, and future-proof and provides freedom of choice,” said Anthony Lye, senior vice president of the cloud business unit at NetApp. “This first-of-its-kind solution uses NFS to transform the way companies use the cloud, providing visibility and control across Azure, on-premises, and hosted NFS workloads.”

Cloud architects and storage administrators will now be able to provision, automate, and scale NFS services by using RESTful APIs. Additional data protection services will be offered, starting with on-demand, automated snapshots. The service will support both V3 and V4 workloads to customers operating in the cloud and the hybrid cloud. It will also integrate with a host of Azure services, including analytics, SQL Server, and SAP Hana for Azure.

Additional integrations with Cloud Control, AltaVault, and Microsoft Azure

NetApp further extends cloud protection and retention for Microsoft Office 365 to Azure Storage while adding EMEA and APAC support in Dublin and Sydney, and strengthens cloud backup and recovery offerings with new Azure storage options and bundles.

Additional announcements today include:

  • NetApp Cloud Control for Microsoft Office 365 now supports Azure Storage. Cloud Control for Office 365 is also adding availability for EMEA and APAC for customers who prefer to store their business-critical Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft OneDrive, and Microsoft SharePoint data in their local region.
     
  • NetApp AltaVault is adding support for Azure Archive Storage, enabling customers to select between hot, cool, and cold storage options in the Azure cloud for their data protection needs.
     
  • CDW easy-to-order bundle is a lab-validated solution comprised of AltaVault, Veritas Backup Exec, and Microsoft Azure for a new and highly efficient option for backing up to the cloud.

Availability
Companies can sign up for the Azure Enterprise NFS service, powered by NetApp, preview at www.netapp.com/azurepreview.

Cloud Control and NetApp AltaVault are currently available. More information can be found at their respective websites.

About NetApp 
NetApp is the data authority for hybrid cloud. We provide a full range of hybrid cloud data services that simplify management of applications and data across cloud and on-premises environments to accelerate digital transformation. Together with our partners, we empower global organizations to unleash the full potential of their data to expand customer touchpoints, foster greater innovation, and optimize their operations. For more information, visit www.netapp.com. #DataDriven

Press Contacts: 
Amelia Vierra 
NetApp 
1 408 822 6403 
[email protected]

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