NetApp unveils new line of all-flash arrays

NetApp has expanded its all-flash storage array line with new models tailored for enterprise buyers.

The All Flash FAS (AFF) 8000 series includes data management in a single solution. It ships with NetApp Data ONTAP FlashEssentials innovations, which are designed to increase flash performance and efficiency.

NetApp claims the all-flash choices available from other vendors lack core enterprise capabilities such as application integration, built-in data protection and integration with the cloud. NetApp says that with its new all-flash solutions users can “seamlessly move data from flash to disk to cloud as it ages”.

Four AFF8000 models are available now and can be ordered as stand-alone systems and in FlexPod converged infrastructure solutions. Professional services, delivered by NetApp or its partners, help users identify those workloads that are best served by all-flash systems.

NetApp also announced new installation and extended support offers for the AFF8000 series. Customers can acquire the new systems at prices starting from $25,000. “Risk-free” options exist for customers to evaluate NetApp all-flash solutions, available through NetApp and its partners.

NetApp was planning to launch a new partner incentive scheme this week for those deploying all-flash arrays at smaller-sized companies. The data storage monolith says the move is designed to “kill the little dogs biting at our heels right now”, as well as being an attempt to quash any speculation that the company is only concerned about big revenue enterprise business.

Antony Savvas

York, UK-based Antony Savvas has been a technology journalist for 25 years and has expertise in all major areas of enterprise and consumer IT. He has worked for a number of leading technology magazines and websites and his work is syndicated across the internet. He also undertakes corporate work for some of the world's leading technology companies.