NetApp and Verizon Team on Software-Defined Storage Solutions for New Verizon Cloud

SUNNYVALE, CA and NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - Oct 17, 2013) -  NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) and Verizon Enterprise Solutions today announced a collaboration to re-architect traditional cloud-based storage models to deliver NetApp® Data ONTAP® as a virtual storage appliance (VSA) for Verizon Cloud clients. The software will deliver on the promise of software-defined storage, adding additional deployment and management flexibility for clients implementing Verizon Cloud Compute and Verizon Cloud Storage.

Data ONTAP becomes part of a software-defined infrastructure management layer that adds NetApp enterprise-grade efficiency, data protection and manageability on top of Verizon's high-performance cloud infrastructure. Integrated features will also provide seamless data management across multiple clouds based on Data ONTAP, which abstracts physical storage into a set of Storage Virtual Machines and delivers IT services to application owners while improving operational and IT resource efficiency. Together, NetApp and Verizon are simplifying and enabling more efficient management of data and workloads as enterprises implement hybrid cloud models.

Businesses are embracing new technologies and service delivery models that make information technology more efficient and valuable. Verizon's focus is to bring the full power and functionality of enterprise-class technology to the cloud. When delivered with Data ONTAP as a VSA, the new Verizon Cloud offers a rich set of enterprise capabilities to new clients and sets the standard for storage appliances delivered as virtual functions through the cloud.

"Our announcement with NetApp marks the first of many strategic relationships that we are forging as we build a dynamic ecosystem of enterprise-class networking, storage, and software-based capabilities that will run on top of our new Verizon Cloud infrastructure," said John Considine, chief technology officer of Verizon Terremark. "Teaming with NetApp reinforces our commitment to revolutionize how cloud-based solutions are delivered and will serve as a complement to traditional on-premises, hardware-based storage models. As more enterprises embrace the cloud, businesses both large and small will look to virtualization for greater functionality to enhance business operations."

"NetApp is committed to working with Verizon and other leading service provider visionaries to unlock the value of our software in innovative software-defined cloud architectures that bring more choices and new value to customers," said Phil Brotherton, vice president of Cloud Solutions Group, NetApp. "As enterprises increasingly look to combine public and on-premises cloud resources to optimize IT efficiency and business flexibility, Data ONTAP provides a universal data management platform to facilitate data and workload movement across multicloud environments."

About NetApp
NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) creates innovative storage and data management solutions that deliver outstanding cost efficiency and accelerate business breakthroughs. Our commitment to living our core values and consistently being recognized as a great place to work around the world are fundamental to our long-term growth and success, as well as the success of our pathway partners and customers. Use of the words "partner" or "partnering" does not include a legal partnership between NetApp and any other company. Discover our passion for helping companies around the world go further, faster at www.netapp.com.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ) (NASDAQ: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 100 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 180,900. For more information, visit about.verizon.com.

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