NetApp’s Adaptation to Technological Waves
Matt Watts, Chief Technology Evangelist of NetApp, reflects on his nearly 20 years with the company, emphasizing its adaptability through various technological disruptions.
“If you look back over the last 10 years, I’ve always tried to create roles that keep me motivated and deliver value to NetApp,” Watts commented during a recent interview.
Throughout its history, NetApp has traversed three primary technological waves—mid-range modular systems, virtualization, and cloud adoption. Currently, the company is gearing up for a fourth wave: an intelligent data infrastructure powered by AI.
Watts noted his observations about these waves: “There are four common steps companies repeat with every wave. First, there’s a rush to adopt the technology, often without much structure. Then, over time, businesses simplify, consolidate, automate, and optimize. Recognizing these steps allows us to help companies approach AI adoption more efficiently.”
Paving the Way for Future Waves
Watts anticipates the emergence of a fifth wave, influenced by quantum computing. He remarked, “My gut feeling tells me quantum computing will be the next wave,” highlighting its potential impact on encryption methods, networking, and problem-solving capabilities.
Furthermore, businesses will need to prepare for challenges surrounding post-quantum security, as identified risks may arise before the decade concludes.
Advancements in AI Enablement
To assist businesses in their AI adoption journey, NetApp has embedded intelligence in its infrastructure. Watts underscored the importance of their unified storage methods in ensuring accessibility and utility.
“Unified storage goes beyond multi-protocol,” he mentioned. “It’s about supporting any data, any application, anywhere, and providing flexibility in consumption models.”
NetApp’s services also include security features to identify anomalies, enabling a more robust response to potential threats.
Challenges to AI Integration
Despite the promise of AI-enhanced productivity, Watts pointed out that several impediments exist. Chief among these is data silos, as AI requires diverse data access to train effectively.
Additionally, governance and security stand as critical barriers. Watts emphasized, “As we train large language models, we must ensure sensitive data isn’t unintentionally exposed. That’s why an intelligent data infrastructure that safeguards information is crucial.”
Recognizing Transformative Trends
Watts shared his criteria for identifying significant technological shifts. He stated, “I look at the maturity, applicability, and accessibility of the technology.” The foray of AI surged visibly when ChatGPT launched, transforming its programming language to spoken word and democratizing AI’s accessibility.
Such a moment for quantum computing is anticipated, according to Watts, who believes that accessibility will drive real transformation.
Letting Go of Outdated Practices
Watts highlighted the importance of moving away from obsolete systems to remain agile: “It’s about value. Businesses should ask: Does this make us more efficient or productive? If the answer is no, then it’s worth considering outsourcing or moving away from that process.”
Referencing Microsoft 365, Watts explained how companies once dedicated resources to maintaining outdated email systems. “Now, Microsoft does that more efficiently,” he said, advocating for a focus on innovation instead.
Anticipating the Future: NetApp’s Upcoming Insights
Exciting advancements in data infrastructure will be showcased at NetApp’s forthcoming Insight event. Watts announced plans for new integrations with AI platforms such as Bedrock, SageMaker, and Vertex during the event, which will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Arts in Sydney.
Looking ahead, Watts remains confident in NetApp’s ability to innovate and evolve through the inevitable waves of technological disruption. “Every day, there’s something new to learn,” he concluded. “That’s what keeps this industry so exciting.”
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