NetApp has acquired VMware disaster recovery specialist JetStream Software, adding cloud recovery and workload migration technology to its enterprise data protection portfolio.

JetStream develops software that protects VMware environments running on almost any storage platform and enables customers to recover workloads to cloud infrastructure, including Azure NetApp Files. The technology also supports migration of VMware environments into the cloud, allowing organizations to begin with DR before moving production workloads over time.

The acquisition extends NetApp’s disaster recovery capabilities beyond its own storage systems. The company’s SnapMirror replication software remains its primary replication platform for existing NetApp storage customers, while JetStream extends protection to VMware deployments running on third-party storage systems.

Founded in San Jose in 2017, JetStream was established by former SanDisk executives Tom Critser and Serge Shats, along with founding VP of engineering Pavan Pamula. The startup raised about $11.5 million in seed and Series A funding before becoming self-funded through customer revenue. LinkedIn lists the company at roughly 30 employees.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Replicates VMware Virtual Machines

JetStream’s platform continuously replicates VMware virtual machines to lower-cost cloud object storage such as Azure Blob Storage or S3-compatible repositories. When a primary site fails, the software rebuilds VMs and associated data in a recovery environment, either on premises or in the cloud. The architecture is designed to avoid the expense of maintaining a fully synchronized standby environment while still supporting recovery across hundreds or even thousands of VMs.

The technology competes with VMware Site Recovery Manager by using cloud object storage as a recovery target rather than requiring continuous replication to a warm standby site. That approach can reduce infrastructure costs while giving organizations flexibility over where recovered workloads are brought online.

NetApp said enterprise customers continue to depend on VMware for many mission-critical applications despite recent changes in the virtualization market. The company believes DR often serves as the first stage of broader cloud adoption, allowing organizations to move production systems only when operational requirements and business plans align.

Pravjit Tiwana, senior VP and general manager of Cloud Storage and Services at NetApp, said JetStream’s software helps customers begin with disaster recovery before expanding production workloads into cloud environments. That strategy also improves NetApp’s position within hyperscale cloud platforms, where Azure NetApp Files is already an established storage offering.

The acquisition is in keeping with NetApp’s expansion beyond traditional enterprise storage into cloud services and cyber resilience. The purchase is NetApp’s second acquisition this summer, following its July acquisition of AI data infrastructure company DataPelago.