EXECUTIVE INSIGHT version of the NetApp proposition . This speaks volumes about the strength of the NetApp brand . If our brand wasn ’ t strong , if it didn ’ t resonate with customers , we wouldn ’ t be in a position where all three hyperscalers are competing to sell a NetApp-branded proposition . We ’ re seeing significant growth in this space , driven not only by us but by the hyperscalers as well . They see NetApp as a solution for running large-scale , critical applications that require high performance and resilience .”
Q . WHERE DO YOU SEE THINGS GOING IN TERMS OF MANAGING DATA ESTATES AND POLICIES ?
» “ We ’ ve talked about the proliferation of data , technologies , and vendors . I think many large organisations are now looking for simplification . Technology costs have gone down , but people costs have gone up , and that ’ s not sustainable . Many customers are striving to achieve a fully automated , fully orchestrated infrastructure – a “ factory floor ” of sorts . They ’ re looking to inject more intelligence into their infrastructure and have something consistent and consolidated across all the architectures they provide to their customers .
“ That ’ s where the future lies . There ’ s a definite drive towards more automation and greater orchestration . It ’ s about taking responsibility away from expensive and scarce resources and letting them focus on activities that drive the business forward , rather than spending more time managing infrastructure . NetApp ’ s concept of an intelligent data infrastructure is not just a marketing line ; it ’ s a consistent drive towards injecting intelligence into the infrastructure , allowing businesses to focus on their growth .”
Q . WHAT ARE YOUR PERSPECTIVES ON FUTURE TRENDS IN THE TECH LANDSCAPE ?
» “ I think the intelligent data infrastructure piece is crucial . It ’ s a significant differentiator for us because no other technology vendor has that breadth of capability right now . I know we ’ ve touched on sustainability , which is a big focus for us . Personally , I have three young boys , and I want to create a world where they can live their best lives . My kids laugh at me because if we ’ re out for a walk , I ’ ll pick up pieces of plastic . It might be an age thing , but I genuinely believe that if everyone did their bit , we could make a big difference .
“ This mindset extends to work as well . It feels good to know that we ’ re making a positive impact . There ’ s revenue and profit for the company , but if we ’ re helping customers reduce their environmental footprint by upgrading their technology , that ’ s something to be proud of .
“ Lastly , on the topic of AI , we see AI as just another workload . It ’ s not something that should create silos . AI will become business as usual , so it ’ s better to have technologies that can scale and integrate seamlessly into your existing infrastructure . Injecting intelligence into the technology is key to that , and we ’ re taking a broader approach by helping customers avoid expensive , unmanageable silos of data in the future .” technologymagazine . com 27