NetApp acquires Instaclustr to offer open-source databases as a service

NetApp has announced it is acquiring Instaclustr, a platform provider of fully managed open-source database, pipeline, and workflow applications delivered as a service.

The move will see the software firm combine its own infrastructure expertise with Instaclustr’s data-layer-as-a-service solutions, and services to help customers tackle modern cloud complexities.

The buyout is the latest in a string of strategic acquisitions by NetApp over the past few years, in its bid to deliver what it calls a “leading best-in-suite platform” for CloudOps. So far, the firm has snapped up Spot, CloudCheckr, CloudJumper, Data Mechanics, Fylamynt, and now Instaclustr as it beefs up its Spot by NetApp platform.

“As companies race to modernize and digitally transform in the cloud, they must implement solutions that enable them to focus more on building and releasing cutting-edge applications at speed, spending less on infrastructure management and operations,” said Anthony Lye, executive vice president and general manager of Public Cloud Services at NetApp.

“Instaclustr does just that and will be a significant addition to our Spot by NetApp portfolio, solving common challenges of cloud complexity, cost overruns, single vendor lock-in, and customers’ lack of internal technical resources. The acquisition marks a critical advancement in our strategy to run application driven platforms and infrastructures.”

Peter Lilley, CEO and co-founder of Instaclustr, added that data management is an “increasingly essential priority” for the modern enterprise as businesses look for new ways to accelerate application development.

“Instaclustr delivers fully managed open-source solutions that give companies increased productivity and reduced cost,” he explained. “Instaclustr’s growth has been driven by the fact that companies want to leverage open-source databases, pipelines, and workflow applications without overwhelming themselves with the complexity and cost of managing and operating them.

“We are excited for organizations building applications for their multi-cloud and hybrid cloud reality to benefit directly from Instaclustr’s data PaaS solutions along with NetApp and Spot by NetApp’s infrastructure solutions, while minimizing operations burdens.”

Fellow Instaclustr co-founder and CTO Ben Bromhead added that NetApp’s infrastructure solutions “pair perfectly” with the company’s data-layer-as-a-service solutions and services.

“For enterprise customers operating applications in the public cloud or on-prem, NetApp and Instaclustr’s combined platform will offer an unparalleled solution for overcoming cloud complexities while eliminating vendor lock-in risks and the high costs of building and maintaining that same expertise internally.,” he said.