NetApp's thumbs up for Linux

By Stuart Finlayson

Network Appliance has given what can be seen as a ringing endorsement to Red Hat, after the enterprise network storage solutions provider announced the formation of a strategic global partnership with the Linux provider.

The announcement has come just as Red Hat added more spice to the already hot issue of Linux by filing a lawsuit against the SCO Group, claiming that accusations of copyright infringement against the open source operating system on the part of SCO were "unfair and deceptive."

The pair will work together to develop and deliver Linux storage protocols and collaborative support for customers to maximise NetApp storage capabilities in Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments. The companies also plan to engage in joint marketing efforts to showcase enterprise storage solutions including storage consolidation, data protection and technical applications within Red Hat Enterprise Linux environments.

"The Network Appliance and Red Hat partnership demonstrates a true milestone for enterprise storage on Red Hat Enterprise Linux," according to Mike Evans, Vice President of Channel Sales and Development at Red Hat. "Customers will be empowered with an integrated solution that draws from each company's strengths and expertise to solve business challenges for a variety of powerful storage infrastructure needs."

Mark Santora, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Network Appliance, adds: "By working closely with Red Hat, we continue to provide the broadest operating system support for open storage architectures and to lead the delivery of advanced technology solutions, while maintaining lower total cost of ownership and higher return on investment."

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