IBM, NetApp form strategic storage relationship

IBM and Network Appliance (NetApp) have announced a strategic storage

relationship to drive information on demand solutions and to expand IBM's

portfolio of storage solutions. As part of the relationship, IBM and NetApp will

enter into an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement that will enable

IBM to sell IBM branded solutions based on NetApp unified and open network

attached storage (NAS) and iSCSI/IP SAN solutions, including NearStore and the

NetApp V-Series Systems, as well as associated software offerings.

According to IDC, NetApp was the revenue share leader in both NAS and iSCSI

for calendar year 2004. Under this agreement, IBM will reach into more countries

than any other OEM reseller for NetApp. The agreement also promotes enhanced

integration of NetApp applications with IBM Tivoli Storage Manager, aimed at

delivering additional customer value. Additionally, with NetApp customers

increasingly seeking a complete tiered storage solution, NetApp will position

IBM as its preferred supplier of tape systems in its solutions for NetApp

customers. Finally, the two companies are exploring additional strategic

opportunities.

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