NetApp Adds Primary Storage De-Duplication

NetApp is bulking up its virtualization capabilities and extending its de-duplication features into primary storage.

The announcement follows talk by NetApp about its de-dupe efforts, which up to now have been focused on secondary storage, such as the vendor's R200 and FAS product lines.

Cue version 7.3 of NetApp's OnTap 7G software. "We're now providing de-duplication of common data across our primary storage family and our V-Series," says Patrick Rogers, the vendor's VP of solutions marketing. He adds that de-duplication will slash users' storage footprints. "It's going to lead to less real storage required, smaller footprints, and less power and cooling."

How much less? According to Rogers, de-duplication could halve data center environmental costs.

NetApp, of course, is facing stiff competition in the de-dupe space, which likely played a part in its decision to expand its offerings. Yesterday, for instance, HDS unveiled VTLs containing software from de-dupe trailblazer Diligent targeting the SMB space.