Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Microsoft Ties With NetApp In Cloud Computing Effort

Redmond-based Microsoft has tied into storage provider NetApp, in an effort to bolster the firm's virtualization, cloud computing, and storage management efforts. According to NetApp and Microsoft, the two have signed a three year agreement where the companies will collaborate on products and technical integration, as well as jointly sell and market to customers. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, however, the firms said they will collaborate and deliver technology in the areas of virtualization, private cloud computing, and storage and data management, specifically tying together Microsoft's Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2, Microsoft System Center, and NetApp's storage systems. NetApp is a major provider of network attached storage (NAS) devices and related software in the enterprise market, and particularly for Microsoft IT shops.