NetApp ONTAP Data Management Software
Use Cases and Deployment Scope
We use NetApp ONTAP Data Management Software to manage our VMware datastores, CIFS Servers, and iSCSI-connected LUNs on our SQL Servers. We also use OnTAP as a key component of our disaster recovery plan.
Pros
- Consistent performance improvements with each release
- Consistent storage efficiency improvements with each release
- Easy to manage replication / disaster recovery solution
Cons
- Ever since GUI updates made several years ago, there is reduced functionality in some areas
- Automation could be made easier
Return on Investment
- The amount of storage we need for the same amount of content has decreased significantly over time due to enormous improvements in efficiency software.
- The amount of CPU/memory required has decreased as well, which will allow us to replace with a less powerful system.
- The physical footprint of NetApp equipment has shrunk significantly, using less resources in the datacenter. We've gone from 4 racks of equipment to 1/2 of one rack over the last 15 years.
Usability
Alternatives Considered
Dell ECS
Other Software Used
Veeam Agent for Microsoft Windows, NetApp Active IQ, NetApp AFF A-Series, NetApp FAS Storage Arrays, NetApp SnapCenter Backup Management, NetApp SnapMirror


