NetApp and Desktone Deliver Flexible, Efficient Storage for Cloud-Based Virtual Desktop Infrastructures

Solution Combines Desktone's Virtual-D Platform With NetApp's Industry-Leading Storage Solutions That Serve as Foundation for Cloud Infrastructures


SUNNYVALE, CA and CHELMSFORD, MA--(Marketwire - October 20, 2009) - NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) and Desktone today announced that the Desktone Virtual-D Platform™ is now integrated with the NetApp® Data ONTAP® operating system, giving service providers a more flexible, efficient, and cost-effective storage solution for their desktops-as-a-service® (DaaS®) offerings.

The joint solution is built on Desktone's Virtual-D Platform, which enables virtual hosted desktops to be delivered as an outsourced, subscription service via the cloud, and NetApp's industry-leading storage and data management solutions. NetApp deduplication technology helps service providers reduce redundant data to lower storage costs associated with maintaining both desktop images and user data for each hosted virtual desktop infrastructure. In addition, NetApp's intelligent caching and Performance Acceleration Module (PAM) can reduce disk input/output operations while helping improve hosted virtual desktop performance in large environments. Furthermore, the joint solution lets service providers clone their virtual desktops in a matter of minutes rather than hours for more streamlined and efficient operations. The joint solution also supports an on-premises deployment model where enterprises can co-locate service provider owned and operated DaaS infrastructure in their own data center.

"The joint NetApp and Desktone solution provides a unique DaaS offering for our customers," said Tim Hites, president, ICC Global Hosting, a joint NetApp and Desktone customer and a leading provider of DaaS. "We are able to deliver a complete DaaS offering at a lower price point, enabling our enterprise customers to realize significant capex and TCO savings when compared to deploying their own virtual desktop infrastructures."

"Desktone is committed to providing service providers and enterprises with the tools and technology necessary for their cloud-based virtual desktops," said Harry Ruda, chief executive officer, Desktone. "Our DaaS platform combined with NetApp's advanced storage efficiency technologies provides our customers with an ideal solution that enables them to achieve the benefits of a true DaaS environment."

"DaaS is an important delivery model for hosted virtual desktops, and NetApp's scalable storage and data management solutions are critical to enabling a cost-effective, agile solution," said Patrick Rogers, vice president of Solutions and Alliances for NetApp. "Teaming with Desktone is another example of NetApp working closely with the industry's leading service providers and offering tailored solutions and technologies that address their customers' unique cloud infrastructure requirements."

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Pricing and Availability
Customer pricing for NetApp products and solutions discussed in this release are available from NetApp sales or reseller partners. Pricing for the Desktone Virtual-D Platform for service providers is available from Desktone or Desktone business partners. Pricing for DaaS offerings powered by the Desktone Virtual-D Platform is available from Desktone service provider partners. The joint solution is available immediately.

About NetApp
NetApp creates innovative storage and data management solutions that accelerate business breakthroughs and achieve outstanding cost efficiency. Discover our passion for helping companies around the world go further, faster at www.netapp.com.

About Desktone
Desktone, Inc. provides the industry's first virtual desktop hosting platform, enabling desktops to be delivered as an outsourced subscription service. The Desktone Virtual-D Platform integrates all required technologies into a single, automated, self-service platform. By enabling desktops as a service, Desktone simplifies large-scale desktop provisioning and management, transforms virtual desktop infrastructure costs from CAPEX to OPEX, provides greater protection of physical resources and corporate information, and increases business agility -- all of which reduces desktop total cost of ownership. For more information, visit www.desktone.com.

NetApp, the NetApp logo, Go further, faster, and Data ONTAP are trademarks or registered trademarks of NetApp, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Desktone, desktops as a service, and DaaS are registered trademarks of Desktone, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Contact Information: Press Contact for NetApp: Ryan Lowry NetApp (408) 822-7544 ryanl@netapp.com Press Contact for Desktone: Janice Bedsole Bedsole & Company (781) 789-6108 janice@bedsoleandcompany.com