F5 and NetApp Expand Collaboration to Accelerate Generative AI Capabilities

F5 and NetApp have announced an expanded partnership aimed at accelerating and simplifying enterprise AI deployments through secure multicloud networking and advanced data management solutions. The collaboration integrates F5’s Distributed Cloud Services with NetApp’s data management technology to enhance the deployment of large language models (LLMs) across hybrid cloud environments. This partnership enables enterprises to implement Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions securely, improving AI performance, security, and the integration of proprietary data into AI models.

RAG is a method that combines retrieval-based and generative AI techniques to deliver more accurate, context-relevant responses by incorporating proprietary data without exposing it to public LLMs. However, fragmented enterprise data can create silos, complicating integration with LLMs. F5 and NetApp address this issue by facilitating secure data access and transfers, reducing the complexity of managing hybrid and multicloud infrastructure. The combined solution also helps unify operations for data management, security, and networking, reducing costs and enabling AI innovation.

Pratik Shah, Managing Director for India & SAARC at F5, emphasized the collaboration’s role in providing secure and scalable AI deployment frameworks. Kunal Anand, Chief Technology and AI Officer at F5, highlighted the collaboration’s ability to streamline enterprise data integration with AI models while ensuring high performance and security. NetApp’s Cloud Volumes ONTAP and SnapMirror technology play a key role in optimizing cloud storage and data mobility, making AI deployments more efficient.

This partnership aims to help businesses leverage AI for long-term innovation and competitive advantage, particularly as they navigate the complexities of AI integration in hybrid cloud environments.