Hybrid cloud storage is set to play a larger role in enterprise AI adoption as HCLTech and NetApp expand their partnership. The companies will offer hybrid cloud storage-as-a-service (STaaS) to help enterprises scale AI workloads alongside traditional data operations.
Hybrid Cloud Storage Solution Combines Infrastructure and Data Management
The joint offering combines HCLTech’s Utility for Everything (U4X) digital infrastructure framework with NetApp Keystone pay-as-you-go storage services.
The model allows enterprises to adjust storage capacity based on changing operational needs. It also integrates HCLTech’s AI Factory capabilities for the development, deployment and operation of generative AI applications.
The approach links consumption-based infrastructure with data management. This can help enterprises move AI workloads from testing to production while keeping data closer to storage locations.
Supporting Enterprise AI Workloads
The solution is designed to address data governance requirements and improve operational turnaround times. Enterprises can run workloads near their data and scale infrastructure based on demand.
Rampal Singh, Senior Vice President of the Hybrid Cloud Business Unit at HCLTech, said the collaboration focuses on helping enterprises scale AI in a practical and efficient manner.
He added that combining flexible infrastructure models with data management capabilities can help customers extract greater value from their data and accelerate AI adoption.
Consumption-Based Model Targets Enterprise Needs
The combined offering builds on deployment frameworks used across multiple commercial sectors.
One example involves a global food and beverage enterprise that used the consumption-based model to reduce upfront infrastructure investments.
A European telecommunications company also deployed the systems across distributed environments. The setup helped the company meet regional regulatory requirements.
Alvaro Celis, Chief Partner and Ecosystem Officer at NetApp, highlighted the companies’ focus on co-created technology offerings, business models and services.
He said the collaboration gives customers access to NetApp’s intelligent data infrastructure through a flexible business model, supported by HCLTech’s implementation expertise.
The expanded partnership aims to give enterprises a more flexible infrastructure model for scaling AI workloads. It also brings data management and consumption-based storage together to support enterprise AI deployments.
