NetApp Unveils Flash Accel Server Caching Solutions

NetApp has extended its Virtual Storage Tiering (VST) strategy by introducing Flash Accel, and expanding its Technology Alliance Program to include server caching hardware and software partners. Enabling dramatic improvements in input/output latency, flash memory is a key element in balancing how organizations maximize application performance and simplify management.

By storing frequently accessed data, NetApp Flash Accel speeds performance by turning server-side Flash into a cache. The unified VST approach for tiering includes controller-based (flash cache), array-based (flash pool of SSD), and server-side (host cache). Server caching offers application and server performance acceleration, the ability to deploy solutions over a wide range of applications and operating environments, and the flexibility to deploy any server caching solution (software and hardware) that have been validated by NetApp.

Flash Accel brings the highest levels of data integrity and reliability by integrating with  NetApp's ONTAP software. It will preserve cache content consistently with applications in the event of server and virtual machine reboot and crashes. Flexibility at the server level means the freedom to choose any server PCI-e flash card or SSD flash device.

Partner Ecosystem Boost

Complimenting the Flash Accel announcement, NetApp (NTAP) is expanding its Alliance Partner Program to embrace hardware and software server-caching partners looking to develop solutions with NetApp. Partners are validated by meeting established criteria for coherence and integration with Data ONTAP and Flash Accel. Among the first to submit server-caching solutions for qualification are Fusion-io, LSI, Micron, SanDisk Enterprise Storage Solutions, STEC and Virident.

NetApp has also signed a Technology Reseller Agreement with Fusion-io (FIO) to resell its ioMemory platform products and two server caching software products: ioTurbine for virtualized environments and Direct Cache for non-virtualized environments. "NetApp’s open approach to partnering with industry leaders through its Technology Alliance Program will provide customers with efficient solutions that will enable them to achieve performance gains with Fusion-io software and hardware at a fraction of the cost of legacy systems. NetApp's innovative approach to Flash with Virtual Storage Tiering, combined with software like Fusion ioTurbine or directCache software and Fusion ioMemory hardware, uniquely enables IT administrators to scale performance on demand in response to ever-changing business requirements.”

Flash Accel will be available in December 2012, and on display at the NetApp booth during VMworld San Francisco August 26-30.