HCLTech and NetApp Expand Partnership to Launch Hybrid Cloud Storage-as-a-Service for Enterprise AI

Global technology company HCLTech has announced an expanded collaboration with intelligent data infrastructure firm NetApp to deliver a hybrid cloud storage-as-a-service (STaaS) solution designed to help enterprises scale artificial intelligence and data-driven workloads. Operating on a flexible, consumption-based framework, the solution seamlessly supports both modern GenAI applications and legacy enterprise systems.

Integration of U4X Framework and NetApp Keystone:
The newly launched offering merges HCLTech’s digital infrastructure framework, Utility for Everything (U4X), with NetApp Keystone, a pay-as-you-go storage model. This integration allows organizations to dynamically align their underlying infrastructure with fluctuating workload demands. Furthermore, it empowers businesses to scale storage capacity, system performance, and data services on demand, while efficiently facilitating AI development, deployment, and operations through HCLTech’s AI Factory suite.

Enterprise Benefits and Proven Deployments:
By pairing HCLTech’s consumption-led operating model with NetApp’s advanced data management capabilities, the joint offering accelerates the transition from initial AI pilot phases to full-scale enterprise deployment. It enhances data readiness and governance while allowing organizations to process workloads close to data sources for improved efficiency.

This expanded solution builds upon prior successful deployments across multiple sectors. For instance, a major global food and beverage company successfully reduced upfront capital expenditures and improved operational flexibility via a consumption-based model, while a European telecommunications provider enhanced its scalability, resilience, and regulatory compliance across distributed environments.

Leadership Perspectives:
Highlighting the collaboration, Alvaro Celis, Chief Partner and Ecosystem Officer at NetApp, noted that the initiative gives customers access to intelligent data infrastructure through flexible business models backed by HCLTech’s implementation expertise. Echoing this sentiment, Rampal Singh, Senior Vice President of the Hybrid Cloud Business Unit at HCLTech, emphasized that the partnership focuses on pragmatic, efficient AI scaling by combining adaptive infrastructure with robust data management.