NetApp Managed Upgrade Service

Keep Your NetApp Environment Current

This service maintains NetApp storage systems at current software versions through remotely delivered upgrade planning, execution, and validation.

Entelligence engineers plan, execute, and validate up to two upgrades annually, including major software releases and interim security or firmware patches, following NetApp best practices to minimize disruption.

The result is a storage environment that stays current, secure, and fully supported — without the risk, downtime, or operational burden of managing upgrades internally.

Download the Service Brief →

Get Started with NetApp Managed Upgrade Service

Fill out the short form on this page and a member of our team will reach out to match you with a right-fit NetApp delivery expert for your project.

The NetApp Managed Upgrade Service is a Good Fit for You if:

Your NetApp systems are falling behind on supported software versions.
You want to reduce exposure to security vulnerabilities from outdated firmware or patches.
Upgrade complexity exceeds your internal team’s expertise or available time.
You’re approaching end-of-support deadlines for current software versions.
You need a predictable, low-risk way to manage upgrades as part of annual operations.
You want to avoid downtime or failed upgrades caused by manual processes.

What You'll Get:

Annual upgrade planning and scheduling aligned to your environment
Up to 2 upgrade events per year (major release and/or patch/firmware update)
Pre-upgrade assessment and compatibility validation
Remote upgrade execution following NetApp best practices
Post-upgrade validation to confirm system health and functionality
Upgrade Advisor Plan documentation for visibility and traceability
Rollback planning and risk assessment for every upgrade
Project management and coordination to ensure smooth execution
Knowledge transfer after each upgrade to keep your team informed

How We Work

This service delivers remotely managed software upgrades for installed and operational NetApp ONTAP, StorageGRID, or E-Series environments. We plan each upgrade in advance, including compatibility checks, risk assessment, and rollback planning. Upgrades are executed remotely within agreed maintenance windows to minimize business disruption.

Each upgrade follows NetApp best practices and includes full validation to ensure systems remain stable, secure, and operating as expected. The service includes up to 2 upgrade events annually, with structured coordination, documentation, and knowledge transfer after each event — so your team understands what changed and how to maintain the environment going forward.

Before we can get started, we'll need you to:

Provide supported, racked, and cabled hardware

Procure valid licenses for VMware Cloud Foundation components

Supply network configuration details and IP addressing

Ensure access to required systems, credentials, and personnel

Supply network configuration details and IP addressing

Frequently Asked Questions

Phasellus quis ex bibendum, euismod ligula id, interdum odio. Integer fermentum at magna vitae porta. Mauris congue odio dolor, eget malesuada turpis pretium non. Donec vehicula, sem nec maximus maximus, est nisl blandit nibh, et dapibus magna ipsum mollis turpis. In semper ipsum magna, ut egestas lectus sollicitudin vel. Nulla facilisi. Vivamus bibendum consequat fringilla.

Additional Resources

NetApp Managed Upgrade Service Brief

Learn more about what this service includes, whether it's a good fit for you, deliverables, scoping variants, and more.

Download

NetApp Managed Upgrade Service Execution Model Snapshot

Learn more about how work is performed for this service, exit criteria, and customer responsibilities, prerequisites, and dependencies.

Download

FAQs

A NetApp managed upgrade service is a structured approach to planning, executing, and validating software upgrades for NetApp storage systems such as ONTAP, StorageGRID, or E-Series. It ensures systems stay current with the latest releases, security patches, and firmware updates without requiring internal expertise.

Most NetApp environments should be upgraded at least once or twice per year to stay within supported versions and maintain security compliance. Regular upgrades help prevent compatibility issues, reduce risk, and ensure access to the latest platform capabilities.

NetApp storage upgrades are critical for maintaining system security, performance, and supportability. Outdated systems are more vulnerable to security risks, may fall out of support, and can miss key performance improvements and new features available in newer releases.

Many NetApp upgrades can be performed with minimal or no disruption when properly planned and executed using best practices. This includes pre-upgrade validation, controlled execution during maintenance windows, and post-upgrade testing to ensure system stability.

While internal teams can perform upgrades, many organizations rely on experts due to the complexity of upgrade paths, compatibility requirements, and risk of downtime. Managed upgrade services reduce operational burden, ensure best practices are followed, and minimize disruption to the business.

Resources