NetApp triples AI partners in Asia Pacific, eyes USD $325bn boost
NetApp has reported significant growth in its Asia Pacific partner ecosystem, attributing increased channel capacity and sales impact to its Partner Sphere programme. The company has seen the number of partners certified to sell its artificial intelligence (AI) solutions in the region almost triple over the last year.
Programme impact
The Partner Sphere programme focuses on enabling partners to address a wider range of enterprise requirements in digital transformation. Sixteen specific competencies are offered, covering areas such as AI, cloud transformation, cyber resilience, and data infrastructure modernisation. NetApp says this approach aligns closely with evolving business priorities in the region.
The programme aims to increase partners' earning potential by supporting multiple go-to-market motions and providing new resources to attract and retain customers. One such measure is access to Partner Demo Gear, which enables partners to demonstrate NetApp solutions in practical settings for clients.
Services capacity
NetApp has expanded its services enablement options within the programme. Services Certified tracks are designed to help partners develop consulting and design offerings, as well as support broader services revenue growth. The company referenced the APAC IT services market projection, anticipating revenue to reach USD $325.41 billion in 2025.
Partners can develop their own branded services or co-brand with NetApp, with recognition available through tiered badging. This tiering is structured to provide increased benefits and support as partners progress, incentivising them to pursue new business and deeper engagement with the technology portfolio.
AI competency
Competencies related to AI have recently been refreshed to keep pace with customer requirements through the entire lifecycle of AI solution adoption. NetApp notes that the certifications are seeing increased uptake among partners.
"India is witnessing a strong shift toward data-driven transformation, and our partners play a critical role in helping enterprises modernize their data infrastructure. Through the Partner Sphere program, we're enabling our partners with the tools, training, and capabilities to deliver innovative cloud and AI-led solutions that drive real business outcomes for customers across India and SAARC," said Hitesh Joshi, Director - Channels and Alliances, India and SAARC, NetApp.
Security concerns
Security remains a key issue throughout the region, especially given the rise in AI-driven attacks. Customers are seeking more from their partners to secure critical data and ensure business continuity.
"In an era of AI-driven attacks, India businesses are especially vulnerable to data breaches and intrusion attempts, and this means that they need to make data infrastructure defenses a core part of their cyber defense strategies. We're proud to partner with NetApp to help organizations here strengthen their cyber resilience strategy through a robust data infrastructure that comes with built-in ransomware protection and automated recovery, minimizing disruption and risk," said SS Dhingra, MD & CEO, Binary Global.
Cloud challenges
Enterprises that have moved to the cloud continue to face challenges, including managing data across dispersed services and rising operational costs. Partners are working with NetApp to create more consistent and secure hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.
"Many businesses in India have moved to the cloud but are now facing a myriad of challenges in data sprawl, rising costs, and fragmented services. To address these trade-offs and enable organizations to get the best out of their cloud transformation roadmap, we're working closely with NetApp to offer them a data foundation affording the flexibility to adapt without disruption, the security to stay protected, while controlling costs - across hybrid, multi-cloud environments," said Venkat Murthy, Prime Mover, 22by7 Solutions.
