The Network TAP (NTAP) 2025 list recognizes the top 25 networking technology providers that are shaping the future of network infrastructure. These innovators are at the forefront of developing new technologies that are transforming the way we connect and communicate. They are driving the adoption of 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing, which are critical to the digital transformation of businesses and societies around the world.
The NTAP 2025 list is a valuable resource for businesses and organizations that are looking to invest in networking technologies. It provides a snapshot of the most innovative companies in the industry and their key strengths and capabilities. The list also highlights the trends that are shaping the future of networking, such as the convergence of networking and security, the rise of software-defined networking (SDN), and the growing importance of edge computing. By understanding these trends, businesses can make informed decisions about their networking investments and ensure that they are well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future.
The NTAP 2025 list is compiled by a panel of industry experts who evaluate companies based on their technology innovation, market leadership, and financial performance. The list is updated annually to reflect the changing landscape of the networking industry. The 2025 list includes a diverse range of companies, from established incumbents to emerging challengers. These companies are at the forefront of developing the next generation of networking technologies that will power the digital future.
Performance Leaps with NVMe PCIe Gen4
NVMe PCIe Gen4 empowers storage arrays with up to double the bandwidth and IOPS compared to Gen3, unlocking new levels of performance for demanding workloads. This advanced interface enables data-intensive applications, such as AI and analytics, to process vast datasets in record time. By maximizing data throughput, organizations can accelerate innovation, optimize resource utilization, and drive business outcomes.
Fine-Grained Storage Management with NVMe-oF
NVMe-over-Fabrics (NVMe-oF) protocol extends the performance benefits of NVMe to shared storage environments. With NVMe-oF, storage devices can be disaggregated from compute resources, providing greater flexibility and scalability. Data centers can now provision storage capacity on-demand, enabling dynamic resource allocation and optimal workload performance. NVMe-oF empowers applications with direct access to remote storage, eliminating bottlenecks and latency associated with traditional storage protocols.
NVMe Zone Namespace (ZNS)
NVMe ZNS offers a transformative approach to storage management by introducing the concept of zones within NVMe drives. These zones provide a logical unit of data, allowing for more efficient handling of sequential write workloads common in applications like video surveillance, data logging, and backup. By leveraging ZNS, enterprises can enhance storage performance, optimize capacity utilization, and reduce write amplification, ultimately extending the lifespan of their storage devices.
| Feature | Benefit |
|—|—|
| Up to double the bandwidth and IOPS of Gen3 | Improved performance for demanding workloads |
| Disaggregation of storage devices from compute resources | Greater flexibility and scalability |
| Direct access to remote storage | Elimination of bottlenecks and latency |
| More efficient management of sequential write workloads | Enhanced performance, optimized capacity utilization, and reduced write amplification |
Security and Compliance in the Modern Data Center
Data Protection
Modern data centers require stringent measures to safeguard sensitive data. NetApp solutions offer data encryption at rest, in transit, and in use, ensuring data security throughout its lifecycle.
Identity and Access Management
The NTAP 2025 list emphasizes the importance of identity and access management (IAM). NetApp technologies provide role-based access control, multi-factor authentication, and centralized user management to prevent unauthorized access and maintain data integrity.
Threat Detection and Prevention
Cyber threats are a constant concern for data centers. NetApp solutions include intrusion detection and prevention systems, advanced analytics, and threat intelligence to monitor and respond to security incidents in real-time.
Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
Adhering to compliance regulations is crucial for data centers. NetApp solutions support industry-standard certifications, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and maintain data privacy.
Data Loss Prevention
Data loss can have severe consequences for businesses. NetApp offers data loss prevention (DLP) technologies that monitor and control data access, prevent data exfiltration, and ensure data availability.
Security Monitoring and Reporting
Continuous security monitoring is essential for data center security. NetApp provides centralized monitoring tools that aggregate security logs, generate alerts, and provide real-time visibility into security events.
Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)
To streamline security operations, NetApp supports SOAR platforms that automate security incident response, reduce operational costs, and improve threat detection and mitigation capabilities.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Protects data at rest, in transit, and in use |
| IAM | Role-based access control, multi-factor authentication |
| Threat Detection | Intrusion detection and prevention systems, threat intelligence |
| Compliance | HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR certification support |
| DLP | Monitors data access, prevents exfiltration, ensures availability |
| Security Monitoring | Centralized monitoring, log aggregation, real-time visibility |
| SOAR | Automates security incident response, reduces operational costs |
The Role of NVMe in Virtualization and Hyper-Convergence
Overview
NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a high-performance storage protocol designed to unlock the full potential of solid-state drives (SSDs). In the context of virtualization and hyper-convergence, NVMe plays a crucial role in enhancing performance, scalability, and efficiency for various demanding workloads.
Benefits of NVMe for Virtualization and Hyper-Convergence
NVMe offers several significant advantages for virtualization and hyper-convergence environments, including:
Increased Performance
NVMe’s high bandwidth and low latency significantly improve the performance of virtual machines (VMs) and hyperconverged appliances. This enables faster booting, reduced application response times, and improved overall productivity.
Reduced Storage Overheads
NVMe’s efficiency helps reduce storage overheads by minimizing the need for additional caching layers and external storage arrays. This simplifies management and optimizes resource consumption.
Improved Scalability
NVMe’s scalable architecture supports a large number of virtual machines and virtual storage devices. This enables organizations to easily scale their virtual infrastructure to meet changing business demands.
Enhanced Data Protection
NVMe includes advanced data protection features such as end-to-end data integrity and multi-pathing. These features help prevent data loss and ensure data integrity in virtualized and hyper-converged environments.
Increased Density
NVMe’s compact form factor allows for higher storage density in servers and hyperconverged appliances. This maximizes storage capacity and reduces space requirements.
Applications of NVMe in Virtualization and Hyper-Convergence
NVMe is widely used in various applications across virtualization and hyper-convergence environments, including:
| Applications |
|---|
| Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) |
| High-performance computing (HPC) |
| Databases and analytics |
| Virtualized servers and applications |
| Cloud and managed services |
Conclusion
NVMe has revolutionized the storage landscape for virtualization and hyper-convergence, delivering exceptional performance, scalability, and efficiency. As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation and data-intensive workloads, NVMe will play an increasingly critical role in enabling next-generation data centers and cloud solutions.
NTAP 2025 List: A Perspective
The Network Technology Academy Program (NTAP) 2025 list outlines the key technology trends and initiatives that Cisco believes will shape the future of networking. These include areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud, and software-defined networking. The NTAP 2025 list provides a valuable roadmap for educational institutions and students to align their studies with the evolving needs of the industry.
One of the most significant aspects of the NTAP 2025 list is its focus on lifelong learning. The rapid pace of technological change requires individuals to continuously update their skills and knowledge. The NTAP 2025 list encourages universities to create programs and resources that support ongoing learning and professional development.
Furthermore, the NTAP 2025 list recognizes the importance of collaboration between academia and industry. The list encourages partnerships between universities and Cisco to develop innovative curricula, research projects, and industry-led certifications. This collaboration ensures that students are provided with the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge to succeed in the modern networking field.
People Also Ask About NTAP 2025 List
What is the NTAP 2025 list?
The NTAP 2025 list is a list of the key technology trends and initiatives that Cisco believes will shape the future of networking.
Why is the NTAP 2025 list important?
The NTAP 2025 list provides educational institutions and students with a roadmap to align their studies with the evolving needs of the industry.
How can I use the NTAP 2025 list?
The NTAP 2025 list can be used by educators to develop programs and resources that support ongoing learning and professional development. It can also be used by students to identify areas of study that are in high demand in the industry.
