NetApp to resell CommVault SnapProtect software

Storage vendor NetApp said today it can now support all types of backup through a single interface as a result of a reseller agreement with CommVault and will offer its SnapProtect branded software, a package of CommVault's Simpana 9's snapshot copies, replication and tape management software.

Simpana is CommVault's flagship backup software. Through it, backups can be stored in a tiered fashion. For example, snapshots may be stored first on a primary disk array during the day and moved to a near-line array, until it's time to archive them to a tape library at an offsite disaster recovery facility or into a cloud storage provider.

"The combination of growing data volumes and evolving IT infrastructures introduce added levels of complexity and present new challenges for IT professionals under pressure to meet stringent backup and recovery service levels. Enterprises need a backup strategy that enables them to reliably meet shorter backup windows and recovery point objectives," said Dave Russell, research vice president at Gartner.

As part of the deal, CommVault's SnapProtect software will be closely integrated with NetApp SnapVault and SnapMirror products, the company's archiving and replication software. NetApp will charge for the SnapProtect branded software on a per controller basis.

CommVault said its Simpana customers will also get increased integration and management capabilities with NetApp's snapshot technologies within Simpana, which can help to accelerate and simplify the backup and recovery process.

CommVault's SnapProtect management software will be sold through NetApp's worldwide direct sales force and distribution partners.