NetApp's Disaggregated ONTAP and AI Data Engine: Marketing Meets Architecture

NetApp announced three major offerings at INSIGHT 2025: a disaggregated storage architecture called AFX, an &ldquo;AI Data Engine&rdquo; (AIDE), and enhanced ransomware protection [1]. The announcement follows a familiar pattern: a legacy storage vendor attempting to capture the AI halo while defending existing enterprise markets. The technology may be capable, but the claims warrant scrutiny. The…