IBM debuts first product from NetApp alliance
IBM debuts first product from NetApp alliance
Aug 3, 2005: IBM has introduced the first product to emerge from its alliance with Network Appliance - an entry-level storage disk offering aimed at the SMB market. It also signalled its intention to introduce an expanded product line in the fourth quarter of this year.
The first product resulting from the alliance, the IBM TotalStorage N3700, is a network attached storage (NAS) system, designed for small and medium-sized businesses of less than 1,000 employees, although IBM say it is versatile enough to be used in large, distributed enterprises with remote office and branch office storage requirements. The device also incorporates iSCSI technology.
"The SMB customer segment requires simple, easy-to-deploy solutions for the data needs of a round-the-clock business environment," said Barry Rudolph, vice president Disk Systems, IBM. "Today's announcement is anticipated to be just the first in a line of open solutions from IBM and NetApp that offer innovative solutions for companies relying on critical information in an on demand world."
"With the introduction of today's initial offering, Network Appliance and IBM are demonstrating the speed at which we plan to deliver tangible customer solutions from our agreement," said Patrick Rogers, vice president of Products and Partners at Network Appliance. "We are excited IBM is rapidly providing NetApp technology to SMB customers and we look forward to supporting IBM as they bring the benefits of our technology to additional customers in the near future."
The IBM TotalStorage N3700 scales up to 16 terabytes and offers features and functions including support for disaster recovery, which allows users to mirror data both within the appliance as well as to a remote device.
Its introduction follows the recent announcement by NetApp and IBM that the companies plan to work closer together in the virtualisation and blade server product segments. The focus is on combining IBM's storage virtualisation technologies and the full line of NetApp V-Series and FAS storage systems into integrated solutions.
NetApp will also join IBM as one of nine founding members in the new Blade.org industry community. The community was conceived to enhance the relationships between the founding members and to serve as a catalyst for the industry to create new blade technology.
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