Microsoft and NetApp With First Azure Enterprise NFS Service

NetApp, Inc. announced that it is the data services technology of choice behind first-of-its-kind cloud-centric capabilities for the hybrid cloud.

This enterprise Network File System (NFS) service in the cloud is delivered natively in Azure and powered by NetApp. The company also announced deeper integrations with Azure in Cloud Control for Microsoft Office 365 and 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% through 2021 ⁽¹⁾. Data-driven companies focused on cloud-first and hybrid cloud strategies need 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 data services are still needed to truly extend workloads like database analytics, email, DevOps, and DR 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, GM, Azure Storage, 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 performance and ease of use. IT leaders will have a transparent reach into premiere cloud data services powered by the company.

“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, SVP, cloud business unit, 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
The company 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 Azure storage options and bundles.

Additional announcements include:

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 Exchange, Microsoft OneDrive, and SharePoint data in their local region.
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 efficient option for backing up to the cloud.

Availability:

Companies can sign up for the Azure Enterprise NFS service, powered by the company (preview, registration required).
Cloud Control and AltaVault are available.

⁽¹⁾ Source: IDC, Worldwide File – and Object-based Storage Forcast 2017-2021, US42280717, September 2017