As a Global Technology and Software partner of SAP SE, NetApp Inc. has fostered a collaboration that encompasses a wide range of storage and data management solutions across the entire information technology chain. It is a partnership built on the foundation of a complete end-to-end information technology solution, one that includes accelerated SAP upgrade and deployment cycles, along with lower SAP storage costs.

“We offer data management from the back-end, on-premises over hybrid cloud scenarios, from the cloud up to the edge device, up to your mobile device, so that you have this whole chain enabled,” said Roland Wartenberg (pictured), senior director of strategic alliances at NetApp Inc. “That is our competitive advantage here in partnership with SAP — to offer complete end-to-end data management.”

Wartenberg spoke with Lisa Martin (@LuccaZara), co-host of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s mobile livestreaming studio, and guest host Keith Townsend (@CTOAdvisor), principal at The CTO Advisor, during the SAP Sapphire Now event in Orlando, Florida. They discussed NetApp’s involvement in a blockchain partnership and how SAP’s broader technology strategy opens new doors for its partners. (* Disclosure below.)

Co-innovation initiative for blockchain

NetApp’s end-to-end solution also includes pursuit of new blockchain-based projects. Last September, SAP announced that NetApp would participate in a co-innovation initiative to apply blockchain technology for manufacturing, “internet of things” and supply chain solutions.

“Data management and blockchain go hand-in-hand here,” Wartenberg said. “That’s why we decided we wanted to work together with SAP.”

NetApp also uses its SnapCenter data protection technology to support the SAP Enterprise Resource Planning database by cloning critical information in rapid time. Examples like these open the door for partners such as NetApp to capitalize on the synergy between business processes run by SAP’s customers and its own data management tools.

SAP’s plans, as outlined by senior executives at its annual Sapphire event, call for broadening its customer relationship management capabilities. NetApp’s data management portfolio could play a key role in that expansion.

“When you look at the role of SAP in this industry, it’s growing,” Wartenberg said. “That’s a great opportunity for us.”

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the SAP Sapphire Now event. (* Disclosure: TheCUBE is a paid media partner for SAP Sapphire Now. Neither NetApp Inc., the event sponsor, nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE