NetApp (F)ast (A)nd (S)table
March 04, 2020

NetApp (F)ast (A)nd (S)table

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with NetApp FAS series

NetApp FAS is being used in our environment as our SAN and CIFS file system. This system replaced an old (and undersized) storage array. This system is now used for a number of things including a complete disaster recovery plan and backup system. One important part of this was to speed up backup recovery times. NetApp software makes this possible.

Pros

  • Backups are a piece of cake with Snapshot technology.
  • Disaster recovery plans are made much easier with SnapMirroring to remote locations.
  • The support is incredible. Auto Support makes it incredibly easy. The Auto Support website also gives you a great view of your NetApp deployment.
  • Redundant paths make updating and maintenance much easier with no downtime.

Cons

  • System Manager is missing some commands and therefore you have to rely on CLI. This is not a problem for most admins but it has room for improvement.
  • Cabling diagrams for redundant path can be confusing.
  • When we had one of the older models in place our drives would spontaneously pop out of place due to old plastic clips. We have not had the same issue again with a newer NetApp model.
  • The speed of file recovery is the biggest positive impact. Recovering from a ransomware attack in minutes is something you can certainly brag about.
  • Integration with products like Exchange and SQL can certainly speed up normal day to day processes. Not just in backup recovery situations either.
  • Redundant paths make migrations and updates very easy with no downtime.
We had used a Dell EMC product before moving to the NetApp. This was in combination with a tape drive array. The drastic improvement in moving to the NetApp was incredible. Our backup maintenance time was shortened to next to nothing. No more tapes. No more running out of space constantly.
I've said it before. I'll say it again. NetApp has fantastic support. The Hardware Universe and the Auto Support websites give you incredible information. This info is not just generic model info but it is driven by the data sent by your actual filer. When you get on a support call they can see everything currently in place in your environment.

Do you think NetApp FAS Storage Arrays delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with NetApp FAS Storage Arrays's feature set?

Yes

Did NetApp FAS Storage Arrays live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of NetApp FAS Storage Arrays go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy NetApp FAS Storage Arrays again?

Yes

NetApp FAS systems are extremely scalable and therefore, in my opinion, they can have a place in any environment. The built-in software has some great use cases including recovery and mitigation of ransomware attacks. The speed of backups and restoration is incredible. The ability to restore a single file out of millions is also incredibly handy.

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