Exclusive: The ten year partnership between NetApp and Citrus Consulting

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cloud computing, the partnership between NetApp and Citrus Consulting exemplifies a robust alliance driven by a shared commitment to enhancing data management and compliance in New Zealand. Recently, insights from Matthew Swinbourne, CTO for Cloud Architecture at NetApp APJ, and Adrian Hall, Director of NZ-based Citrus Consulting, shed light on the intricacies of managing cloud services amidst stringent data sovereignty laws.

Citrus Consulting, a distinguished NetApp Gold reseller, has been pivotal in managing customer data across several locations in New Zealand and Australia. Beyond mere sales, its role expands into lifecycle-certified services, providing deep-rooted value to its clients. Hall describes their expansive service, "We're not just about selling systems; we manage our customers' data across multiple locations and provide comprehensive support, leveraging our long-standing partnership with NetApp to enhance our service capabilities."

Swinbourne emphasises the trust built over years of collaboration, which positions Citrus as an indispensable partner. He explains, "Citrus has an in-depth understanding of the regional challenges and a holistic approach to service. They are not only experts in navigating the compliance landscape but are also genuinely nice people who care deeply about their customers' outcomes, which is critical in markets like ours."

One of the most nuanced aspects of their discussion revolves around indigenous data sovereignty, a topic of significant importance in New Zealand. Hall elaborates on the concept, "Indigenous data sovereignty isn't just about the location of the data but also involves understanding the governance by the original data custodians. It's about respecting and implementing the laws of the nation from which the data originates, which can be as localised as the specific indigenous groups."

The balance between utilising public cloud services and adhering to stringent data sovereignty principles is a critical concern. Hall discusses this balance, stating, "Everyone's using a hybrid multi-cloud environment now. Our role is to strategically place data while keeping costs down and adhering to sovereignty principles. The shift from a cloud-first strategy to a data-first strategy marks a significant change in how we approach cloud computing."

Swinbourne underscores the importance of proactive data management in protecting against threats such as ransomware. "We use advanced data management and protection tools to detect threats early and respond swiftly. For instance, in one case with a customer in Malaysia, our systems identified and neutralised a ransomware attack within minutes, preventing significant data breach and loss."

The conversation also delved into the broader implications of their technological endeavours, particularly the integration of AI in managing data compliance and sovereignty. Swinbourne notes, "AI and machine learning are becoming integral in classifying and managing data across different jurisdictions, helping us to adhere to the complex compliance landscape while enhancing the efficiency of our services."

As cloud services continue to grow in New Zealand, the alliance between NetApp and Citrus Consulting remains crucial. Both leaders are optimistic about the future, especially with the integration of emerging technologies like AI. Swinbourne concludes, "The landscape of cloud computing is continuously evolving, and so are our strategies. By leveraging these technological advancements, we aim to provide superior data management solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations in terms of compliance, security, and efficiency."

This partnership not only highlights the technical prowess of both companies but also their commitment to respecting and integrating New Zealand's unique cultural and legal requirements into their cloud computing practices, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.