NetApp Console delivers simplicity with Console agent
NetApp® Console agent is the secure and trusted software from NetApp that enables the workflows between NetApp Console in the cloud with the storage resources in the customer’s network. Being a critical link between the NetApp Console and the customer’s network, it is important that customers not only deploy the agent in the shortest time possible but are also able to keep the agent up to date so that they are aligned with the compliance requirements.
Amplifying the focus of Console - simplified operations with security first, NetApp released the NetApp Console agent as a software appliance and aligns with the industry standard Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) format. With the OVA, NetApp has taken important steps to alleviate some of the crucial deployment and operational challenges that customers face when deploying an agent within their network.
Download, deploy and operate
The first struggle customers face when deploying an agent is to set up a host virtual machine with the right combination of Operation System (OS) and the container runtime that is qualified and supported with the agent version that is to be deployed. With frequent updates to the container platforms, like dockers, and container orchestration software, like docker compose, it can become quite overwhelming for the IT team to setup a host with the compatible version of OS, container runtime and compose software in the shortest time. To ease the struggle on deployment, customers can download the OVA from within Console and roll it out in their vCenter environments.
With the supported OS and container run time libraries, qualified and ready to be deployed in any vCenter setup, customers can skip the cycles of setting up their own host with the compatible version of OS, container run time and container compose software.
The OVA also has a built-in verification workflow that, during deployment, verifies the access to network endpoints required for the agent. The output from the verification process helps customer avoid second guessing if one of the required endpoints is not accessible from the agent, who can then work with the network team(s) to have the required policies. Once the desired network policies are in place, customers can again deploy the agent which is as simple as just redeploying the OVA in their vCenter.
The OVA also ships with a maintenance interface which enables many workflows that enable maintenance and operations of the agent host. The maintenance interface enables customers to update system confirmation, network configuration and run diagnostic workflows. These workflows are designed to reduce the struggle and help customers with the daily operations.
Manage updates, remain secure and compliant
With a successful agent deployment, customers have to ensure that the host and the agent receives regular updates to remain secure and compliant with their security policies. Customers can experience some of the same challenges ensuring regular updates to the OS and container platform that they come across with the initial agent deployment. With frequent updates to the container platforms, like dockers, and container orchestration software, like docker compose, it can become quite overwhelming for the IT team to keep the host software up-to-date and in compliance with their internal policies.
So, along with the OVA, NetApp will also provide regular OS and container platform updates for agents deployed via an OVA. NetApp will release the qualified OS and container runtime updates to the OVA periodically and publish the schedule so that the customer can plan upgrades to their agent host and remain in compliance. The customer gains as they are free from the efforts keeping track of the exact software versions for their deployment and can purely focus on managing the updates.
Why does it matter
With the OVA, along with the regular updates to the OS and container platform, customers can now offload the complexity of setting up the OS with compatible container runtime, as well as identifying the periodic updates that would be compatible with the agent from NetApp. Customers will experience efficient deployment with reduced friction and better feedback to network access issues. They will be able to predictably manage the end-to-end life cycle of the agent in alignment with their internal policies without being concerned navigating the myriad complexities of host software versions and compatibilities.
All in all, with OVA NetApp aims to alleviate many of the pains associated with deploying and managing. And it is the first of many steps to simplifying the agent operations for customers with every new release.
To further simplify agent deployments in the cloud, Console also includes cloud agent wizards, ensuring a positive deployment experience with step-by-step instructions, guidance, and best practices to successfully deploy your agents in your desired cloud environments.
Ready for what’s next?
Whether you’re managing a single on-premises agent or dozens on-premises and in the cloud, NetApp Console delivers a centralized, intelligent, and secure management experience with simplified deployment and management capabilities. With Console, you can meet the demands of modern IT while scaling to support your organization’s future growth.
One Console. Simplified Operations. Security First.
Take command of your NetApp Data Services and storage with NetApp Console:
- Excited to learn more? Read the solution brief.
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- Ready to get started? Log in to NetApp Console.
