Cesar Cernuda, President of NetApp, emphasizes the company’s commitment to innovation, AI-driven data management, strong Middle East partnerships, and a versatile approach to empowering enterprises and SMEs through intelligent infrastructure solutions.
NetApp has been a prominent player in the technology space for decades. What drives the company’s long-term success and ability to maintain its edge in a competitive market?
One key reason for NetApp’s success is its long-term commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. As a global company with a strong local presence, NetApp has been operating in the region for over 20 years, establishing itself as a reliable partner. This contrasts with companies that approach markets opportunistically, prioritizing short-term gains over sustained commitment.
NetApp’s extensive customer base, which includes over 500 organizations in the Middle East and thousands globally, including 95% of the Fortune 500, reflects its strong reputation. For over 30 years, the company has consistently invested in R&D to anticipate and adapt to technological trends, from data management to artificial intelligence (AI). This focus on innovation, coupled with a proven track record in delivering value to customers, has solidified its position as a leader in the technology industry.
AI has become a transformative force across industries. How is NetApp leveraging AI within its product portfolio?
AI is not a new concept for NetApp, as the company has been deeply involved in managing data—the lifeblood of AI—for decades. The two fundamental components of AI are data and algorithms, and NetApp emphasizes that the quality of data is paramount.
NetApp’s core business revolves around intelligent data management, ensuring optimal storage, performance, security, and compliance. The company helps clients build intelligent data infrastructures to harness the full potential of AI, including generative AI and large language models (LLMs).
By providing tailored solutions, NetApp enables organizations to integrate AI seamlessly into their operations, unlocking insights from unstructured and structured data alike. Whether it’s through on-premises setups or leveraging third-party hyperscalers, NetApp’s technology empowers businesses of all sizes to extract value from their data.
What types of customers benefit from NetApp’s AI-driven solutions?
NetApp serves a diverse range of customers, from large enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Large organizations often have the resources to build their own AI infrastructures, including GPUs and LLMs, while mid-sized and smaller companies typically rely on managed service providers or cloud-based solutions.
Regardless of size, all customers share a common need: intelligent data infrastructure to support AI initiatives. NetApp’s flexibility in delivering solutions—whether directly, through hyperscalers, or via managed service providers—ensures that organizations can access the tools they need to stay competitive.
The UAE and the broader Middle East have seen significant growth in cloud and data center adoption. How is NetApp positioned to support this trend?
NetApp is uniquely positioned to support the region’s cloud and data center growth. The company collaborates closely with the world’s top three hyperscalers and has integrated its technology natively into their platforms—a distinction no other company can claim. This partnership builds trust and ensures seamless integration for customers transitioning to the cloud.
In addition to hyperscalers, NetApp works with over 1,000 managed service providers globally, including prominent regional players in the UAE. This approach allows NetApp to address the needs of emerging data center operators and established cloud providers while maintaining a focus on data security, privacy, and performance.
Data security and compliance are major concerns for organizations. How does NetApp address these challenges?
NetApp has built a strong reputation for its robust data security capabilities. With a proven track record spanning decades, the company continuously invests in R&D to stay ahead of evolving threats.
NetApp offers innovative solutions, including a ransomware warranty, to ensure customer data remains secure. Its technology is designed with embedded cybersecurity features, addressing concerns around privacy and compliance. This commitment to security extends to partnerships, where NetApp collaborates with organizations to ensure that their data remains protected across all environments, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
How is NetApp planning to grow its presence in the Middle East?
The Middle East is a strategic market for NetApp, with significant investments aimed at long-term growth. The company has seen increased IT adoption in key industries like oil and gas, fintech, telecommunications, and AI-focused enterprises.
NetApp is deepening its partnerships and expanding its customer base in the region. It prioritizes building relationships with partners and customers that align with its long-term vision, avoiding short-term opportunistic investments. This strategy ensures sustainable growth and the delivery of high-quality solutions to meet the region’s evolving needs.
What kind of partnerships is NetApp fostering to expand its market reach?
NetApp adopts a two-pronged approach to partnerships: strengthening relationships with existing partners and onboarding new ones with specialized competencies.
Existing partners benefit from NetApp’s expanded offerings, such as its new block storage solutions, which enhance their ability to serve customers. New partners, particularly those specializing in specific workloads like AI or certain industries such as fintech and telecommunications, are joining NetApp’s ecosystem to leverage its innovative technology.
This dynamic approach allows NetApp to maintain a diverse and capable partner network, ultimately benefiting its customers with tailored solutions and expertise.
Are there any untapped markets or growth opportunities NetApp is focusing on?
While NetApp already operates in over 100 countries, we continue to explore new markets and deepen our presence in existing ones. Regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America present significant growth opportunities.
In the Middle East, NetApp is particularly focused on expanding its footprint in high-growth sectors and supporting organizations undergoing digital transformation. Through a combination of direct investments and collaborations with local partners, the company aims to unlock new opportunities and deliver innovative solutions to customers worldwide.
How does NetApp cater to the SME market?
NetApp serves SMEs through multiple channels, including hyperscalers and managed service providers. SMEs that maintain their own data centers can directly utilize NetApp’s on-premises solutions. For those migrating to the cloud or relying on third-party providers, NetApp ensures its technology is accessible and optimized for their needs.
This flexible approach allows NetApp to address the unique requirements of SMEs while maintaining a focus on cost-efficiency and scalability. Over the last three years, NetApp has supported more than 4,000 customers through hyperscalers, many of whom are small and mid-sized businesses.
