NetApp hits out at 'copycat' EMC

Storage specialist Network Appliance has slammed rival EMC's latest product announcement, saying it lacks originality.

EMC unveiled its new storage strategy earlier this week which included a server called Centera. The server allows quicker and easier retrieval of cumbersome files and is part of EMC's Content Addressed Storage (CAS) architecture.

But NetApp has hit back, claiming its rival's product is only copying its own technology. It said in a written statement: "The company followed us into the NAS space and now continues the trend by following NetApp into hard disk backup/restore and online archival storage, as the announcement this week shows. NetApp pioneered NearStore last year and NetApp has pioneered new approaches to storage networking ten years ago."

NetApp also attacked EMC's strategy, calling it too costly and difficult for customers. NetApp added: "EMC is notorious for making complicated and expensive equipment."

NetApp claims to be number one in storage networking. "Monday's announcement by EMC validates Network Appliance's pioneering leadership in storage networking," the company said.

EMC was unavailable for a comment.