Transforming Data Infrastructure for The Future with NetApp

As we move forward from the successful conclusion of INSIGHT 2024, it’s an exciting time to reflect on the transformative innovations and strategic vision that NetApp has brought to the forefront. I had the privilege of discussing these developments on the NYSE’s AI’s Corner Office with Aviso AI, where we explored how NetApp is redefining intelligent data infrastructure and positioning itself as a leader in AI readiness.

The Role of Intelligent Data Infrastructure in AI Readiness

In the interview, I emphasized that to be AI-ready, organizations must first be data-ready. This is where NetApp intelligent data infrastructure comes into play, serving as a single pane of glass that orchestrates data efficiently and securely. With nearly half of the world's files stored on-premises with NetApp, our solutions are crucial in ensuring that data is not just stored but is also accessible and actionable. Intelligent Data Infrastructure provides the backbone needed to manage and optimize AI workloads, from training large language models (LLMs) on vast, unstructured data sets to fine-tuning application-specific models. This infrastructure supports efficient data curation, continuous improvement of AI applications, and the seamless execution of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG).

AI & Data Segmentation: The Gas Tank for the AI Engine

Our CEO, George Kurian, often likens computing to the engine of AI and storage to its gas tank. Proper data segmentation is essential for fueling AI applications, and NetApp intelligent data infrastructure ensures that organizations have the right data, at the right time, to drive AI initiatives. This capability is a game-changer, making it possible for everyone to be AI-ready when the moment arrives. By segmenting data accurately and efficiently, NetApp helps organizations harness the full potential of their data, enabling AI to make employees better versions of themselves. This approach not only supports the immediate needs of AI workloads but also prepares businesses for future AI advancements, ensuring they remain competitive and innovative.

Key NetApp Developments & Innovations

NetApp continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with intelligent data infrastructure. Our recent developments are designed to address the most pressing challenges in data management and AI readiness, ensuring our customers can leverage their data to its fullest potential. Here are some of the key innovations and announcements that highlight our commitment to advancing the field:

NetApp ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection with AI (ARP/AI)

One of our significant advancements is the general availability of NetApp ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection with AI. This solution detects ransomware threats with 99% accuracy, enabling faster response and recovery. It integrates seamlessly with Splunk SIEM, AI-driven data classification, and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) to enhance proactive data security and threat response.

ASA A-Series Storage Systems

We introduced the all-flash ASA A-Series storage systems, designed for block storage with features like sub-millisecond latency, scale-out clustering, and a “six 9s” availability guarantee. These systems are optimized for simplicity, power, and affordability, making them ideal for modern data infrastructure needs. To support the new ASA A-Series, we enhanced our Data Infrastructure Insights service, improving monitoring and analysis capabilities for better visibility, optimization, and reliability.

AI Collaboration with NVIDIA

Our collaboration with NVIDIA continues to yield groundbreaking results. We are in the process of certifying NetApp ONTAP storage with NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD for high-performance AI projects. This certification will enable organizations to leverage industry-leading data management capabilities for their largest AI projects, ensuring high performance and scalability. Additionally, we are enhancing our native cloud services for AI, collaborating with major cloud providers to offer integrated data platforms for AI and machine learning services, including new features for Azure NetApp Files and Google Cloud NetApp Volumes.

Integration with NVIDIA NeMo Retriever

We are preparing to release a full integration between NVIDIA NeMo Retriever and NetApp BlueXP. This integration will allow customers to discover, search, and curate data for GenAI deployments with appropriate access controls and privacy guardrails. The general availability of the NetApp AIPod with Lenovo ThinkSystem servers for NVIDIA OVX converged infrastructure was also announced, designed to help enterprises harness generative AI for productivity and revenue opportunities.

Redefining Enterprise Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

Finally, we are thrilled to announce our collaboration with NVIDIA to redefine enterprise Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and power agentic AI. This partnership combines NetApp's intelligent data infrastructure with NVIDIA's AI software and accelerated computing, enabling enterprises to securely access and leverage vast amounts of data for next-generation AI applications.

Achieving Business Outcomes through Intelligent Data Solutions

Our intelligent data infrastructure is not just about technology—it’s about delivering real-world results and driving impactful business outcomes. We have countless examples of how our solutions have helped organizations overcome challenges, streamline operations, and achieve strategic goals. This customer-centric approach is at the heart of what we do at NetApp, providing transformative flexibility and simplicity that enable our customers to delight their own customers, drive growth, and reduce risk.

NetApp’s recent innovations and announcements are just the beginning. We are committed to continuing to deliver solutions that empower our customers to achieve the best total AI performance with the lowest total cost of operation. By making AI front and center, we are providing the information and insights that teams need to succeed in the era of data intelligence.