NetApp unveils mid-range storage systems

Storage solutions provider, Network Appliance (NetApp) has launched two
mid-range storage systems, which are touted to deliver twice the
price/performance and support more users per system compared to previous
generation systems. Additionally, the company is also providing the option of a
serial ATA that can be used for primary storage applications.

Alongside the debut of these new boxes-NetApp FAS3020 and FAS3050, the
company has launched new V-series virtualization engines-V3020 and V3050. To
further bolster its offerings, NetApp has also brought out the Data ONTAP 7G
software, which is meant to maximize storage utilization through virtualization.

NetApp Products and Partners VP, Patrick Rogers said, "Our mid-range
storage products offer a spot for Indian customers because of the price and
performance. The new appliances will allow us to go after the SAN market
aggressively." The mid range storage market is valued at around $8 billion.

The new mid range systems support file services, FC SAN, IP SAN and multiple
network configurations. Patrick said that the new solutions would address
customer issues such as high storage acquisition costs, low storage utilization
and cost of storage management.

NetApp FAS 3020 and 3050 The new mid range systems support file services, FC SAN, IP SAN and multiple network configurations

In response to a query on whether virtualization has come of age in the
storage industry, he replied in the negative saying that most companies have not
delivered on heterogeneous virtualization.

"Most of the storage companies only provide virtualization for their own
storage products and not for other vendors," he added. NetApp hopes to
target the enterprise segment in India for the new mid-range products.

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