NETAPP

SERVICES
CERTIFIED
PROGRAM
GUIDE
Effective 27 July 2024

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Overview

Introduction

Services Certified catalog

OVERVIEW
Services profile assessment

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

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 Introduction
Accelerating Partner revenue and customer loyalty through services

Overview

Introduction At NetApp, we are committed to enabling Services

Services Certified catalog Certified Partners to successfully sell and deliver their
own brand of services on solutions that are built with
Services profile assessment
NetApp® technologies. Our “winning together” Optimization Solution
Integration Services Certified partnership approach helps Partners increase their Services Competencies
margins and grow their NetApp business through Certified
Lifecycle Services Certified
services.
Optimization Services Certified Continual
NetApp’s FY’25 Services Certified tracks give Partners
Services Certified Groups the flexibility to choose the right services framework,
improvement Strategy
scalable services-ready enablement to accelerate
How to apply
portfolio innovation, and recognition of capabilities to
Benefits and incentives drive customer satisfaction and solution adoption
through services delivery.
Assessments and status changes Lifecycle Advisory
Partners1 can choose from a full catalog of Services Services Services
Resources
Certified tracks to grow their services business based Operation
Certified Certified
on their solution sales and customer outcomes. Design (coming soon)
This guide provides Partners with the requirements
and benefits of Services Certified tracks.
Transition

Integration
1 Partners located in Mainland China are ineligible for Services Certified tracks. Services Certified
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 Services Certified catalog
Partnering with NetApp to build services capabilities

Overview

Introduction
COMING
Services Certified catalog SOON
Services profile assessment

Integration Services Certified ADVISORY INTEGRATION LIFECYCLE OPTIMIZATION

SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED
Lifecycle Services Certified
ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, DEPLOYMENT, AND MANAGED, SUPPORT, AND VALUE-ADDED
Optimization Services Certified SERVICE DESIGN MIGRATION SERVICES HOSTED SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Services Certified Groups

Provide consulting, Lead with deployment, Deliver agility and Offer services that
How to apply architecture, or service integration, or migration operational flexibility 24/7 enhance and grow hybrid
design offerings to drive professional services. through managed, support, multicloud solutions.
Benefits and incentives solution sales. or hosted services.
Assessments and status changes

Resources 1 track 7 tracks 2 tracks 2 tracks

If a Partner uses centralized services resources across multiple individual (subsidiary) accounts, they may qualify for a Ser vices Certified
Group for one or more Services Certified tracks. For more information, Partners should review the Services Certified Group requirements
section.

To attain Lifecycle Services Certified tracks, the Partner must be at the NetApp Partner Sphere Preferred or Prestige tier or be a
Distributor.

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 Services profile assessment
Identifying alignment to a Partner’s services business

Overview

Introduction

Services Certified catalog

Services profile assessment

Integration Services Certified

ADVISORY INTEGRATION LIFECYCLE OPTIMIZATION
Lifecycle Services Certified SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED
Optimization Services Certified
• Lead with consulting • Sell NetApp solutions • Focus on delivering • Lead with Partner-
Services Certified Groups
services to transform and increase customer value-added services branded, Partner-
How to apply business practices. spending through new that enhance and grow delivered managed or
• Provide strategic design services offerings. customer wallet share. hosted services.
Benefits and incentives
services that focus on • Develop and grow a • Help customers realize • Provide technical
Assessments and status changes business outcomes. services business to the total value of a support or reactive
Resources
• Propose NetApp accompany NetApp NetApp solution. managed services on
solution frameworks to resale to increase • Optimize cloud usage storage solutions.
meet specific objectives. revenue. and drive additional • Improve customer
• Increase cloud sales sales through retention through
and enhance margins professional services. contract or
through Partner subscription-based
services. managed services.
• Create greater value for • Provide consumption-
customers through based as-a-service
professional services. offerings to improve
COMING SOON customer agility.

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Overview INTEGRATION
SERVICES
Integration Services Certified

Business requirements

CERTIFIED
Learning path requirements
Minimum installed base

Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

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 Business requirements
Integration Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified

DEMONSTRATED MARKET SUCCESS
Business requirements
When a Partner applies for this track, they must provide evidence of
Learning path requirements
their integration services capabilities. Forms of evidence may include:
Minimum installed base
• A public webpage about the Partner’s services
Lifecycle Services Certified • A business case
Optimization Services Certified • A customer sales presentation
Services Certified Groups • Customer references or success stories

How to apply

Benefits and incentives SUBCONTRACTING AND OUTSOURCING

Assessments and status changes Partners are prohibited from using a subcontractor or outsourcing their
services business to a third party to deliver integration services,
Resources
managed services, or call center technical phone support.

FLEXPOD TRACK REQUIREMENTS

To achieve Integration Services Certified–FlexPod® status, Partners are
required to attain the FlexPod Converged Infrastructure with Cisco
Solution Competency in addition to meeting the learning path
requirements for the FlexPod track.

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 Learning path requirements
Integration Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified The following table shows the required learning path elements for each Integration Services Certified track. Partners can cli ck each
learning path name to access the certification page.
Business requirements
Learning path requirements Foundational Technical level
Minimum installed base

Lifecycle Services Certified

Cloud Native Associate Hybrid Cloud Associate NCTSP NCCSSE NCSIE NCDA NCIE-ES NCIE-SAN NCHC-AD NCHC-IE NCFPIA NASGIE
Cloud Native Hybrid Cloud
Optimization Services Certified Track NCTSP NCCSSE NCSIE NCDA NCIE-ES NCIE-SAN NCHC-AD NCHC-IE NCFPIA NASGIE
Associate Associate
Services Certified Groups
Cloud
How to apply

Benefits and incentives EF-Series

Assessments and status changes

FlexPod
Resources
Hybrid Cloud

ONTAP®

ONTAP SAN

StorageGRID®

Partners can visit the NetApp Services Certified workspace to view the requirements and preparatory materials.
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 Learning path requirements
Integration Services Certified Groups

Overview

Integration Services Certified

For Integration Services Certified Groups, learning path requirements are based on the aggregate completion across all Entiti es within
Business requirements the Group. The number of completions required for each learning path element is equal to one less than the number of Entities in the
Learning path requirements Group.
Minimum installed base
The minimum requirements do not reflect what may be necessary to adequately support a Partner’s NetApp business. Factors such as
Lifecycle Services Certified location and a consistent coverage model to support the Partner’s NetApp business affect the number of personnel who are requ ired.
Optimization Services Certified The following table shows learning path requirements for Integration Services Certified tracks based on Group size.
Services Certified Groups …
Number of Entities 2 3 4 5 6 15
How to apply
Required completions for …
Benefits and incentives 1 2 3 4 5 14
each learning path element
Assessments and status changes

Resources

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 Minimum installed base
Integration Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified The ability to deliver high-quality integration services that drive customer satisfaction requires consistent services delivery. When
Partners have maintained their Integration Services Certified (ISC) status in an applicable ISC technology for more than 12 m onths,
Business requirements
they must meet the minimum installed-base requirement of 10 systems1 for the technologies that are associated with the given ISC
Learning path requirements track. To determine a Partner’s installed base, the Partner must be listed as either the Reseller or the owner of the serial number on
Minimum installed base NetApp systems.
Lifecycle Services Certified The following table contains information about the products that are included in the installed base for each track.
Optimization Services Certified
Track NetApp products
Services Certified Groups

How to apply EF-Series E-Series hybrid flash systems, EF-Series all-flash arrays
Benefits and incentives
AFF A-Series, AFF C-series, ASA systems, FAS, Cloud Volumes ONTAP, NetApp
Hybrid Cloud
Assessments and status changes serialized cloud products, ONTAP Select, StorageGRID
Resources AFF A-Series, AFF C-series, ASA systems, FAS, Cloud Volumes ONTAP, ONTAP
ONTAP
Select
AFF A-Series, AFF C-series, ASA systems, FAS, Cloud Volumes ONTAP, ONTAP
ONTAP SAN
Select

StorageGRID StorageGRID

1 The IS C Cloud and ISC FlexPod tr acks d o n ot have a minimum installed-base requ irement. NetApp Distributors are not r equired to maintain a minimum installed base.

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Overview LIFECYCLE
SERVICES
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

CERTIFIED
Business requirements
Back-end service requirements
Performance requirements
Hybrid Cloud track performance
elements

NetApp Keystone track performance

elements

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

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 Business requirements
Lifecycle Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

MANAGED SERVICES CAPABILITIES ON-SITE ASSESSMENTS
Business requirements Lifecycle Services Certified Partners are required to operate To determine a Partner’s compliance with Lifecycle Services
Back-end service requirements
a service center that can provide, at a minimum, the Certified requirements and to evaluate their performance,
following services: NetApp has the right to perform on-site reviews of the
Performance requirements
• Staffing to meet Partner service-level objectives (SLOs) Partner’s processes and systems infrastructure. This review
Hybrid Cloud track performance and service-level agreements (SLAs) may include, but is not limited to, managed services or
elements support center infrastructure, processes and procedures,
• Standard problem isolation and troubleshooting to identify
NetApp Keystone track performance case-handling methodology, inventory and distribution, and
elements and to resolve issues, including known defects and training.
hardware failures
Optimization Services Certified
• Answers to configuration and how-to questions about the
Services Certified Groups operation and interoperability of NetApp technologies in
customer environments
How to apply
• Management of case escalations to NetApp
Benefits and incentives
When a technical issue is escalated to NetApp, Partners SUBCONTRACTING AND OUTSOURCING
Assessments and status changes must own and manage each case to closure. The Services
Partners are prohibited from using a subcontractor or
Resources Certified Playbooks provide more information about the tasks
outsourcing their services business to a third party to deliver
that a Partner’s service center engineers are expected to
integration services, managed services, or call center
perform.
technical phone support.

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 Back-end service requirements
Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud track only

Overview

Integration Services Certified When a Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud (LSC-HC) Partner sells their
brand of services to their end customer, the Partner must purchase at a minimum
Lifecycle Services Certified
a separate back-end SupportEdge PartnerSelect Foundation service contract
Business requirements from NetApp.
Back-end service requirements
SupportEdge PartnerSelect Foundation provides the minimum hardware and
Performance requirements software services that Partners need to back their support offerings.
Hybrid Cloud track performance
elements Where SupportEdge PartnerSelect services are unavailable on a specific NetApp
product, the Partner must purchase a separate back-end PartnerChoice service
NetApp Keystone track performance
elements
contract from NetApp with, at a minimum: Partners may not attach any
• A Software Support Plan (SSP) service agreement for each supported end-user combination of PartnerChoice or
Optimization Services Certified
system SupportEdge PartnerSelect
Services Certified Groups • A base storage operating system, if applicable services and NetApp branded
How to apply • An Extended Warranty after the initial warranty period has expired SupportEdge services for
components and controllers in a
Benefits and incentives The term of the support agreements that a Partner purchases from NetApp must
match the term of the support agreements that the Partner sells to the customer.
system or in a NetApp cluster
Assessments and status changes
The agreements must be active, including during the initial 90-day software configuration.
Resources warranty period. Partners may request additional support services by contacting
their Distributor or the NetApp sales channel.
If a Partner allows support services to lapse, they may be required to pay fees to
reinstate service. The NetApp Technical Support and Maintenance Sales Policy
provides more information.

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 Performance requirements
Lifecycle Services Certified tracks

Overview
A Lifecycle Services Certified Partner’s performance against track requirements determines both the Partner’s compliance and their
Integration Services Certified overall performance level, which are used to determine their eligibility for performance Incentives and benefits. The following elements
are measured to assess a Partner’s performance in the Lifecycle Services Certified tracks.
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
HYBRID CLOUD NETAPP KEYSTONE
Back-end service requirements
Performance requirements
Minimum installed Learning path Minimum Invoiced Learning path
Hybrid Cloud track performance Bookings completions
elements
base completions
NetApp Keystone track performance
elements

Optimization Services Certified Invoiced Bookings

Installed-base YoY Subscription Invoiced
Services Certified Groups year-over-year (YoY) Bookings YoY growth
growth
growth
How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes Performance

Resources ratio1

In addition to the preceding requirements, a Lifecycle Services Certified Partner is expected to meet the business requirements as
stated in this Program Guide that are specific to the LSC track. To validate a Partner’s continued adherence to those requirements, the
Partner must promptly notify NetApp of any changes to their ability to provide these services by emailing [email protected].

1 The performance ratio applies only to Partner s with 50 or more Lifecycle Services Certified–Hyb rid Clou d in stalled-base systems.
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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements MINIMUM INSTALLED BASE
Performance requirements Partners have 12 months after initial activation to reach a minimum Lifecycle Services Certified installed base of 10 Partner-managed
Hybrid Cloud track performance systems. To retain their LSC-HC status after the first 12 months, Partners must consistently meet or exceed this minimum installed base
elements requirement.
NetApp Keystone track performance
elements

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements LEARNING PATH
Performance requirements The following table shows the minimum completions of the required learning path elements to achieve points for the Lifecycle Services
Hybrid Cloud track performance Certified–Hybrid Cloud track. Partners can click each learning path name to access the certification page.
elements
Hybrid Cloud Associate NCSIE NCDA NCSE NCSE-OS NAHSE
NetApp Keystone track performance Hybrid
elements
Cloud
Optimization Services Certified Points Associate NCSIE NCDA NCSE NCSE-OS NAHSE
Services Certified Groups
45 2 2 2 2 2 2
How to apply

Benefits and incentives 60 ≥3 ≥3 ≥3 ≥3 ≥3 ≥3

Assessments and status changes

Resources The LSC–Hybrid Cloud Partner will earn points toward their performance level based on the highest point value that they attain f or
learning path completions. If the Partner does not meet the minimums required, as shown in the preceding table, they will not earn any
points. Learning path completion is measured on the last day of the assessment period. Based on data availability, training or
certifications that are completed in the last 2 days of an assessment period may not be included in the measurement.

Partners can visit the the NetApp Services Certified workspace to view the requirements and preparatory materials.

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements INVOICED BOOKINGS YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH
Performance requirements LSC-HC Invoiced Bookings comprise a Partner’s purchases of services from the NetApp PartnerChoice and SupportEdge PartnerSelect
Hybrid Cloud track performance catalogs based on the NetApp extended list price. Partners use these services to back their Partner-branded support offerings that they
elements sell to their end customers. NetApp bases eligible Invoiced Bookings on NetApp records.
NetApp Keystone track performance
elements Year-over-year (YoY) LSC-HC Invoiced Bookings growth is a comparison of the LSC-HC Invoiced Bookings as of 26 April 2024 and
25 April 2025.
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply
YoY LSC-HC FY’25 Invoiced Bookings – FY’24 Invoiced Bookings
Benefits and incentives =
Inv. Book. growth
FY’24 Invoiced Bookings
Assessments and status changes

Resources YoY Inv. Book. growth Points

≥10% 20
0%–9% 10

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements INSTALLED BASE YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH
Performance requirements The Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud installed base that is used for this measurement is the same installed base that i s used to
Hybrid Cloud track performance calculate the performance ratio. Installed-base measurements are assessed as of the end of the day on the last day of the assess ment
elements period. Based on data availability, installed-base shipments that are completed in the last 2 days of an assessment period may not be
NetApp Keystone track performance included in the measurement.
elements
Year-over-year (YoY) LSC–HC installed-base (IB) growth is a comparison of the Partner-managed installed base as of 26 April 2024 and
Optimization Services Certified 25 April 2025.
Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives YoY IB growth Points

YoY IB FY’25 LSC–HC IB – FY’24 LSC–HC IB
Assessments and status changes = ≥5% 20
growth FY’24 LSC–HC IB
Resources 0%–4% 10

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements PERFORMANCE RATIO
Performance requirements If an LSC–HC Partner has an installed base of ≥50 systems, the performance ratio (PR) applies. The assessment performance ratio
Hybrid Cloud track performance (assessment PR) is an average of the monthly PRs for the 12 NetApp fiscal months that precede the close of the assessment period.
elements NetApp bases all calculations on NetApp records.
NetApp Keystone track performance
elements Monthly Sum of eligible technical cases opened in the month
=
Optimization Services Certified PR Total count of eligible installed base at the end of the month

Services Certified Groups

Assessment Month 1 PR + Month 2 PR + Month 3 PR + . . . Month 12 PR
How to apply =
PR 12 months
Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes Assessment PR Points

Resources ≤0.015 30
0.016–0.025 15
0.026–0.035 5

For a Partner to retain their Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud status and to be eligible for a performance level, the Partner must
maintain an annual performance ratio that is less than or equal to 0.035 if they have an installed base of 50 or more systems.

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements PERFORMANCE RATIO
Performance requirements Eligible installed base
Hybrid Cloud track performance
elements A Partner’s LSC–HC eligible installed base comprises serialized NetApp storage systems that have active NetApp PartnerChoice or
NetApp Keystone track performance
SupportEdge PartnerSelect agreements. Subcomponents such as cluster switches, SAN switches, and NetApp Flash Pool are not
elements included in the installed-base measurement.
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

Eligible technical cases
How to apply
Eligible technical cases are those NetApp cases that are opened against an LSC–HC installed-base serial number. Certain cases may be
Benefits and incentives excluded if they meet one of the following criteria:
Assessments and status changes • Auto-closed cases that are generated by the NetApp Active IQ ® Digital Advisor tool or the Elio With Watson ® virtual assistant.
Resources
• Feedback (nontechnical) cases that are opened through the NetApp Support Site by using the Provide Feedback functionality.
• Parts request cases that are opened through the NetApp Support Site by using the Request a Part functionality. When creating this
case, Partners must provide the part number and log file data that shows the specific failure information. NetApp reserves the right to
include parts request cases in the performance ratio if they require additional technical review.

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum installed Learning path Invoiced Bookings Installed-base YoY Performance
Integration Services Certified
base completions YoY growth growth ratio
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements SAMPLE PERFORMANCE RATIO CALCULATION
Performance requirements
Step 1: Identify the monthly data Step 2: Calculate the monthly PRs
Hybrid Cloud track performance
elements
Month 1 2 3 … 12 Month 1 2 3 … 12
NetApp Keystone track performance
Cases 1 2 1 … 2 Cases/IB 1/200 2/203 1/210 … 2/236
elements
Installed base 200 203 210 … 236 PR 0.005 0.010 0.005 … 0.008
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply Step 3: Compute the assessment PR Step 4: Determine Partner’s points

Benefits and incentives Month Performance ratio Points Performance ratio

For a Partner to retain their Lifecycle
Assessments and status changes
1 0.005 30 ≤0.015 Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud
2 0.010 status and to be eligible for a
15 0.016–0.025 performance level, the Partner must
Resources
3 0.005
5 0.026–0.035 maintain an annual performance ratio
… … that is less than or equal to 0.035 if
0 >0.035
12 0.008 they have an installed base of 50 or
Average 0.009 Points = 30​ more systems.

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 Hybrid Cloud track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview

Integration Services Certified For Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud Partners, certain benefits depend on their performance level. A Partner’s performa nce
level is determined by their total points earned in the following five areas.
Lifecycle Services Certified
After 12 months in the Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud track, to maintain their status, a Partner must have 5 points for either
Business requirements
their minimum installed base or their performance ratio and a minimum of 50 points overall.
Back-end service requirements
Performance requirements
Hybrid Cloud track performance Minimum Learning Invoiced Installed-
Performance
elements installed path Bookings base YoY
ratio2
NetApp Keystone track performance base1 completions YoY growth growth
elements
Points Completion Points Completion Points Growth Points Growth Points PR
Optimization Services Certified
5 ≥10 60 >100% 20 ≥10% 20 ≥5% 30 ≤0.015
Services Certified Groups
45 100% 10 0%–9% 10 0%–4% 15 0.016–0.025
How to apply
5 0.026–0.035
Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

Level Total points

1 90–135
2 50–89

1 Minimum installed ba se app lies only to Pa rtn ers with fewer than 50 installe d-base systems.

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2 The performance ratio applies only to Partner s with 50 or more LSC–HC installed-base systems.
 NetApp Keystone track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum Invoiced Learning path Subscription Invoiced
Integration Services Certified
Bookings completions Bookings YoY growth
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements MINIMUM INVOICED BOOKINGS
Performance requirements Partners have 12 months after initial activation to reach a minimum of US$5,000 NetApp Keystone Invoiced Bookings. To retain their
Hybrid Cloud track performance Lifecycle Services Certified–NetApp Keystone status after the first 12 months, Partners must consistently meet or exceed this minimum
elements Invoiced Bookings requirement.
NetApp Keystone track
performance elements

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

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 NetApp Keystone track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum Invoiced Learning path Subscription Invoiced
Integration Services Certified
Bookings completions Bookings YoY growth
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements LEARNING PATH
Performance requirements The following table shows the minimum completions to earn points for the learning paths for the Lifecycle Services Certified–NetApp
Hybrid Cloud track performance Keystone track. Partners can click each learning path name to access the certification page.
elements
Hybrid Cloud Associate Keystone Success Manager NCSIE NCDA NCSE NCSE-OS NAHSE
NetApp Keystone track
performance elements

Optimization Services Certified Learning

path Points Hybrid Cloud Keystone Success NCSIE NCDA NCSE NCSE-OS NAHSE
Services Certified Groups Associate Manager
How to apply
Core 25 2 2 2 2 1 0 0
Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes Advanced 40 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Resources
The LSC-NetApp Keystone Partner will earn points toward their performance level based on the highest point value that they attai n for
learning path completions. If the Partner does not meet the minimums required, as shown in the preceding table, they will not earn any
points. Learning path completion is measured on the last day of the assessment period. Based on data availability, training or
certifications that are completed in the last 2 days of an assessment period may not be included in the measurement.

Partners can visit the NetApp Services Certified workspace to view the requirements and preparatory materials.

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 NetApp Keystone track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview
Minimum Invoiced Learning path Subscription Invoiced
Integration Services Certified
Bookings completions Bookings YoY growth
Lifecycle Services Certified

Business requirements
Back-end service requirements INVOICED BOOKINGS YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH
Performance requirements This measurement uses Invoiced Bookings for Keystone subscriptions that are supported by the Partner. Subscription measurements are
Hybrid Cloud track performance assessed as of the end of the day on the last day of the assessment period. Based on data availability, subscription orders that are
elements invoiced in the last 2 days of an assessment period may not be included in the measurement.
NetApp Keystone track
performance elements Year-over-year (YoY) Keystone subscription Invoiced Bookings growth is a comparison of Partner-managed subscriptions as of 26 April
2024 and 25 April 2025.
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply
YoY LSC-Keystone FY’25 Invoiced Bookings – FY’24 Invoiced Bookings
Benefits and incentives Inv. Book. growth =
FY’24 Invoiced Bookings
Assessments and status changes

Resources YoY Inv. Book. growth Points

≥50% 20
5%–49% 10

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 NetApp Keystone track performance elements
Lifecycle Services Certified

Overview

Integration Services Certified For Lifecycle Services Certified–NetApp Keystone Partners, certain benefits depend on their performance level. A Partner’s
performance level is determined by their total points earned in the following three areas.
Lifecycle Services Certified
After 12 months in the Lifecycle Services Certified–NetApp Keystone track, to maintain their status, a Partner must have 10 points for
Business requirements
their minimum Invoiced Bookings and a minimum of 35 points overall.
Back-end service requirements
Performance requirements
Hybrid Cloud track performance
elements Minimum Invoiced Learning path Subscription Invoiced
Bookings completions Bookings YoY growth
NetApp Keystone track
performance elements

Optimization Services Certified Points Invoiced Bookings Points Track Points Growth
Services Certified Groups 10 US$5,000 40 Advanced 20 ≥50%
How to apply 25 Core 10 5%–49%
Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

Level Total points

1 50–70
2 35–49

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Overview OPTIMIZATION
SERVICES
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

CERTIFIED
Optimization Services Certified

Business requirements
Learning path requirements

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

27 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Business requirements
Optimization Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified

DEMONSTRATED MARKET SUCCESS
Lifecycle Services Certified
When a Partner applies for these tracks, they must provide evidence
Optimization Services Certified of their optimization services capabilities. Forms of evidence may
Business requirements
include:
• A public webpage about the Partner’s services
Learning path requirements
• A business case
Services Certified Groups
• Customer presentations showing services offerings
How to apply
• Customer references or customer success stories
Benefits and incentives • Relevant cyber-resilience services collateral
Assessments and status changes

Resources SUBCONTRACTING AND OUTSOURCING

Partners are prohibited from using a subcontractor or outsourcing their
services business to a third party to deliver integration services,
managed services, or call center technical phone support.

28 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Learning path requirements
Optimization Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified The following table shows the required learning path elements for each Optimization Services Certified
track. Partners can click each learning path name to access the certification page.
Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified Foundational Technical level

Business requirements
NCTSP NCSIE NCDA A purple NCIE-MC NCIE-DP
NCTSP NCSIE NCDA and black
NCIE-MC NCIE-DP
Learning path requirements
rectangular
Services Certified Groups Track sign

How to apply NetApp

MetroCluster®
Benefits and incentives
ONTAP Data
Assessments and status changes
Protection
Resources

Partners can visit the NetApp Services

Certified workspace to view the
requirements and preparatory
materials.

29 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Learning path requirements
Optimization Services Certified Groups

Overview

Integration Services Certified

For Optimization Services Certified Groups, learning path requirements are based on the aggregate completion across all Entit ies
Lifecycle Services Certified within the Group. The number of completions required for each learning path element is equal to one less than the number of E ntities
Optimization Services Certified
in the Group.

Business requirements The minimum requirements do not reflect what may be necessary to adequately support a Partner’s NetApp business. Factors such as
location and a consistent coverage model to support the Partner’s NetApp business affect the number of personnel who are requ ired.
Learning path requirements

Services Certified Groups The following table shows learning path requirements for Optimization Services Certified tracks based on Group size.

How to apply …
Number of Entities 2 3 4 5 6 15
Benefits and incentives
Required completions for …
1 2 3 4 5 14
Assessments and status changes each learning path element
Resources

30 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

Overview SERVICES
CERTIFIED
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

GROUPS
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

Business requirements

Track-specific requirements

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

31 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Business requirements
Expanding reach through a shared services infrastructure

Overview

Integration Services Certified If a Partner uses centralized services resources across multiple
individual (subsidiary) accounts, they may qualify for the Grouped option
Lifecycle Services Certified
for Services Certified tracks. All Services Certified Groups are subject to
Optimization Services Certified approval by NetApp based on an evaluation of the Partner’s services
delivery structure.
Services Certified Groups
The Partner must meet the following criteria in addition to the
Business requirements
requirements for the individual tracks:
Track-specific requirements
• Grouped Partner accounts must be under a single parent company
How to apply
(NetApp Global Partner, NAGP).
Benefits and incentives
• The Partner must provide NetApp with documentation demonstrating
Assessments and status changes how their services operate as a shared infrastructure. The Group may
contain only Entities who use the centralized or shared resources.
Resources
• The Partner must sign an authorization form to confirm their
acceptance of the Services Certified Group Infrastructure
Authorization terms. NetApp will provide the form as part of the
Group activation process.
• A primary Group Entity must be identified, and this Entity receives all
communications. The primary Entity is responsible for managing the
Group.
• Requirements are shared by all Services Certified Group Entities,
and the assessment is assessed across the Group as a whole.

32 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Track-specific requirements
Services Certified Groups

Overview

Integration Services Certified

ADVISORY SERVICES CERTIFIED TRACKS
Lifecycle Services Certified
The Partner’s Group Entities must be defined at the Advisory Services Certified catalog level; the Partner may not define sep arate
Optimization Services Certified Group Entities for each track.
Services Certified Groups
By exception and at the sole discretion of NetApp based on an evaluation of the Partner’s local coverage and remote services
Business requirements capabilities, NetApp may approve a cross-geography Group.
Track-specific requirements The Group may have up to a maximum of 15 Entities. The Partner may define multiple Services Certified Groups within the same geo,
How to apply but the membership for each Group must be mutually exclusive.
Benefits and incentives The Group is assessed based on the aggregated contribution of the Entities.
Assessments and status changes

Resources LIFECYCLE SERVICES CERTIFIED TRACKS

A Partner may have one or more Groups defined based on the location of the centralized service center. An Entity cannot be a
member of multiple Groups.

By exception and at the sole discretion of NetApp based on an evaluation of the Partner’s local coverage and remote services
capabilities, NetApp may approve a cross-geography Group.
Requirements for performance level and assessments for the Group are the same as for a non-Grouped Partner. The Group is
assessed based on the aggregated contribution of the Entities.
The Partner is responsible for training additional engineers to support the Partner’s LSC business and scale and to meet NetA pp
performance and service delivery requirements.

33 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Track-specific requirements
Services Certified Groups

Overview

Integration Services Certified

INTEGRATION AND OPTIMIZATION SERVICES CERTIFIED TRACKS
Lifecycle Services Certified
The Partner’s Group Entities must be defined at the Integration or Optimization Services Certified catalog level; the Partner may not
Optimization Services Certified define separate Group Entities for each track.
Services Certified Groups
All Group entities must reside within the same geography from the following: Asia -Pacific (APAC); Europe, the Middle East, Africa
Business requirements (EMEA); Latin America; or North America.
Track-specific requirements The Group may have up to a maximum of 15 Entities. The Partner may define multiple Services Certified Groups within the same geo,
How to apply but the membership for each Group must be mutually exclusive.
Benefits and incentives To attain ISC Group status for FlexPod, all Entities of the Group must attain the FlexPod Converged Infrastructure with Cisco Solution
Competency.
Assessments and status changes

Resources The Group is assessed based on the aggregated contribution of the Entities.

34 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

Overview

HOW TO
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

APPLY
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Application process

Services Certified Group additions

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

35 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Application process
Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified To be granted Services Certified status, at a minimum, Partners must meet the requirements as detailed in this guide. For new services
Partners, NetApp has implemented a due-diligence process, with the goal of making sure that we continue to work with the highest-
Lifecycle Services Certified
quality Partners. NetApp uses the application process as part of evaluating a new services Partner and qualifying them into the Services
Optimization Services Certified Certified tracks before the Partner’s participation is activated. If a Partner does not pass the due-diligence process, they do not achieve
Services Certified status.
Services Certified Groups

How to apply
1 REQUIREMENTS 2 CERTIFICATIONS 3 SERVICE VALIDATION
Application process
Identify which Partner-led services will Use the Services Certified workspace to Collect evidence of services offerings
Services Certified Group additions be offered on NetApp solutions. access training and certification and business success.
Benefits and incentives preparatory materials.
Review the Services Certified Partner This evidence may include services
Assessments and status changes Program Guide to identify the aligned Complete the required NetApp websites, customer success stories,
track or tracks. certifications and accreditations. operational playbooks, or services
Resources
portfolio presentations.

4 APPLICATION 5 ACCEPTANCE 6 OPERATIONALIZATION

Complete the required certifications or If Partner’s application is approved, Manage Services Certified performance
accreditations a minimum of 5 working NetApp will provide an acceptance letter. by using Partner Intelligence
days before submitting the application. Dashboards.
Be sure to update NetApp Partner Sphere
Submit the Services Certified application badges to highlight the new capability.
online.

36 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Services Certified Group additions
Adding an Entity to an existing Group

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

REQUIREMENTS PROCESS
Optimization Services Certified Services Certified Grouped Partners may add Entities to an A Partner may add Entities to their Services Certified Group
existing Group at any time, providing that the following at any time by submitting a Services Certified application.
Services Certified Groups conditions are met:
The Partner will be asked to submit a new NetApp Services
How to apply • The new Entity must meet the Partner Program Certified Grouped Partner Relationship Infrastructure Form
Application process requirements as referenced in this Program Guide. to complete the addition.
Services Certified Group additions • The Group must contain no more than 15 Entities with When Partners add an Entity to an existing Services
Benefits and incentives the addition of the new Entities. Certified Group, the following actions occur:

Assessments and status changes • The Services Certified Group must meet the assessment • The added Entity inherits the existing Services Certified
requirements as documented in this guide. Group track status.
Resources
• The Group must complete a new NetApp Services • For Lifecycle Services Certified Grouped, the added
Certified Grouped Partner Relationship Infrastructure Entity inherits the performance-based level of the
Form, which covers the new Group structure. existing Group. If the addition of the new Entity improves
a Partner’s LSC level based on the Partner’s
• The Partner must meet all training requirements based performance in the calculation period to date, the Group
on the new Group size. Complete the required is placed in the higher LSC level when the new Entity is
certifications or accreditations a minimum of 5 working added.
days before submitting the application.

37 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

Overview

BENEFITS AND
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

INCENTIVES
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Business management benefits

Enablement benefits
Lifecycle Services Certified benefits

Assessments and status changes

Resources

38 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Business management benefits

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified

TOOLKITS & SELF-SERVICE MARKETING DESIGNATED
Services Certified Groups
PLAYBOOKS CONTACT
How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Partners have access to Partners can access Partners differentiate By designating a single
Business management benefits exclusive Services Partner Intelligence 24/7 to themselves with Services point of contact, Partners
Enablement benefits Certified Playbooks and track key program metrics Certified badges and a can receive
toolkits that help them and business listing in NetApp Partner communications on
Lifecycle Services Certified benefits
build their NetApp services opportunities. Connect. Services Certified track
Assessments and status changes
business. From tips on Partners should bookmark Partners can request a updates, receive periodic
Resources how to build services the Services Certified certificate showcasing their health check emails, and
offerings to guidance on information page for services capabilities for be updated on key support
services operations, these access to the latest display in their service and benefit
playbooks and toolkits are Services Certified track centers. communications.
the go-to resources to information and services
grow services revenue. collateral.

39 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Enablement benefits
Certification Hub

Overview

Integration Services Certified CERTIFICATION HUB

Lifecycle Services Certified FY’25
A Partner’s engineers have access to the Services Certified
Optimization Services Certified workspace on the NetApp Learning Services Certification Hub.
This workspace makes it easy for Partners to:
Services Certified Groups
• Explore learning path requirements for Services Certified
How to apply tracks.
Benefits and incentives • Access recommended training to prepare for the required
certifications and accreditations.
Business management benefits
• Register for certification exams through Pearson VUE.
Enablement benefits
Lifecycle Services Certified benefits NETAPP CERTIFICATION CREDENTIALS
Assessments and status changes CertCenter, the NetApp credential management system, now
Resources allows users to log in with a single pair of credentials and to move
seamlessly between Pearson VUE, CertCenter, and Credly.

DISCOUNTS ON EXAM VOUCHERS

To take the required NetApp certification exams, NetApp Services
Certified Partners can purchase exam vouchers at a discount
through the NetApp voucher store.

40 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Enablement benefits
Services Certified voucher benefits

Overview

Integration Services Certified

To help Partners with active Services Certified status invest To be eligible, the Partner must be active in one or more
in and grow their partner-led services business, NetApp Services Certified tracks. The voucher discount percentage
Lifecycle Services Certified offers a certification voucher benefit. is based on the Partner’s program and tier as follows:
Optimization Services Certified • Distribution: 100% discount voucher
The Partner can choose where to use these vouchers based • Partner Sphere Prestige: 100% discount voucher
Services Certified Groups on their services business needs.
• Partner Sphere Preferred: 75% discount voucher
How to apply

Benefits and incentives VOUCHER USAGE STOREFRONT SIGN-UP

Business management benefits
Services Certified Partners may request up to 30 vouchers. To get started, Partners must request a storefront to gain
Enablement benefits access and manage their Services Certified voucher
Lifecycle Services Certified benefits Attain additional Services Certified tracks benefit.
Assessments and status changes
To request a storefront, complete the application. The
Resources Partner must provide an administrator as part of the
Expand capacity through additional certified application process.
individuals for currently enrolled tracks
Please allow 10 – 15 business days for the storefront to be
activated. NetApp will send an email to the Partner
Renew individuals’ certifications for current
storefront administrator to notify them when the site is
Services Certified tracks
available.

Partners should identify a single contact to manage

Vouchers will be valid through 25 April 2025.
vouchers within their storefront.

41 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Lifecycle Services Certified benefits
Recommended discounts on backline services

Overview

Integration Services Certified Lifecycle Services Certified Partners have access to preferred discounts for the NetApp backline services that are needed to power
Partner-led offerings. These discounts are based on the Partner’s LSC performance level and the type of service. Partners can find
Lifecycle Services Certified
more information about the preferred discounts at the following links:
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud Lifecycle Services Certified–NetApp Keystone
How to apply recommended discounts recommended discounts
Benefits and incentives

Business management benefits

DISCOUNT TERMS
Enablement benefits
Lifecycle Services Certified If a Partner currently purchases through a NetApp Authorized Distributor, the discount percentages listed in the preceding li nked
benefits resources are recommendations only. Pricing for a Partner who purchases through a NetApp Authorized Distributor is ultimately
Assessments and status changes determined between the Partner and the Distributor. If a Partner purchases directly from NetApp, discounts are assigned based on
the Partner’s LSC level. NetApp bases all discount criteria on NetApp records. LSC Grouped Partners have the same LSC level
Resources applied across their Group.
Discounts apply to selected part numbers as indicated in the NetApp Quote Tool. To be eligible for earned LSC preferred disco unts,
Partners must have an approved Deal registration. NetApp reserves the right to approve or to reject any sales opportunities or
registrations.

LSC Partners may also apply LSC discounts to PartnerChoice or SupportEdge PartnerSelect purchases that cover products that they
own. Approved Deal registration is required.

The Partner’s LSC level may change based on their quarterly performance assessments. The LSC-HC performance-level
requirements section and the LSC-Keystone requirements section in this guide provide more information.

42 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

Overview

ASSESSMENTS AND
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

STATUS CHANGES
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Performance assessment overview

Assessment schedule
Services Certified Group removals
Deactivation from a track
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
Mergers and acquisitions

Resources

43 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Performance assessment overview
High-level requirements assessed

Overview

Integration Services Certified NetApp assesses Partner performance against Partner Sphere requirements quarterly based on the last day of the NetApp fiscal
quarter.
Lifecycle Services Certified
To qualify for and to remain active in a Services Certified track, Partners must meet all track requirements. Following is a summary of
Optimization Services Certified the assessment requirements per track.
Services Certified Groups
ADVISORY INTEGRATION LIFECYCLE OPTIMIZATION
How to apply SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED SERVICES CERTIFIED
Benefits and incentives Partner Program • All Partner Sphere tiers • All Partner Sphere tiers • Partner Sphere • All Partner Sphere tiers
Assessments and status changes • Distribution • Distribution Preferred and Prestige • Distribution
tiers
Performance assessment overview
• Distribution
Assessment schedule
Services Certified Group removals Learning path Required Required Required
Deactivation from a track
Minimum installed Required Required
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
base
Mergers and acquisitions
Minimum Required
Resources
performance points

For a full list of requirements by track, Partners should refer to the pertinent requirements sections of this guide.

44 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Assessment schedule
Measurement and status change effective dates

Overview

Integration Services Certified Services Certified performance is assessed on the same quarterly schedule as the Partner Sphere Program.

Lifecycle Services Certified The promotion-only assessments apply to Lifecycle Services Certified tracks. During a promotion-only period, the Partner may achieve
a higher LSC level if all requirements for the higher level have been met. If the Partner does not meet the requirements for their
Optimization Services Certified Lifecycle Services Certified level, they will not be downgraded, but they must meet requirements before the next full assessm ent.
Services Certified Groups
The full assessment applies to all Services Certified tracks. During a full assessment, a Partner’s Lifecycle Services Certif ied level may
How to apply be increased or decreased based on their performance. If the minimum requirements for a Services Certified track are not met,
NetApp may terminate the Partner’s status in that Services Certified track.
Benefits and incentives
Partners should expect the Services Certified application review to take 7 to 10 business days. Before a Partner can be considered for
Assessments and status changes
Partner Sphere tier advancement as part of an assessment period review, final Services Certified track approval is required.
Performance assessment overview
The following table shows the assessment schedule.
Assessment schedule
Services Certified Group removals Promotion 1 Promotion 2 Promotion 3 Full assessment
Deactivation from a track Date of check 26 July 2024 25 October 2024 24 January 2025 25 April 2025
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
Effective date of status change 02 September 2024 02 December 2024 03 March 2025 02 June 2025
Mergers and acquisitions

Resources

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
Partners can manage their performance against Services Certified track requirements by using the Services Certified Partner
Dashboard in Partner Intelligence. The Services Certified Partner Dashboard User Guide provides information about how to access
and to use the dashboard.

45 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Assessment schedule
Considerations

Overview

Integration Services Certified For quarterly assessments, Partners should be aware of the following.
Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified LEARNING PATH

Learning path attainment for all Services Certified tracks is measured
Services Certified Groups
on the last day of the assessment period.
How to apply
Based on the availability of data, certifications or accreditations that
Benefits and incentives are completed in the last 5 working days of an assessment period
may not be included in the measurement.
Assessments and status changes
To be credited with certification attainment, all individuals must
Performance assessment overview register their Pearson VUE certification ID with NetApp.
Assessment schedule New Services Certified track status cannot be granted until learning
Services Certified Group removals paths show as complete in the Partner Sphere Performance
Deactivation from a track
Dashboard in Partner Intelligence.
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
Mergers and acquisitions MINIMUM INSTALLED-BASE
Resources Installed-base measurements for Integration Services Certified tracks
are assessed as of the end of the day on the last day of the
assessment period.
Based on the availability of data, installed-base shipments that are
completed in the last 2 days of an assessment period may not be
included in these measurements.

46 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Assessment schedule
For Lifecycle Services Certified tracks

Overview
For our assessments, Lifecycle Services Certified Partners should be aware of the following.
Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

INSTALLED-BASE MEASURES
Measurements are assessed as of the end of the day on the last day of each NetApp fiscal month. Based on the availability of data,
Optimization Services Certified
installed-base shipments that are completed in the last 2 days of an assessment period may not be included in the measurement.
Services Certified Groups
INVOICED BOOKINGS MEASURES
How to apply
Measurements are assessed as of the end of the day on the last day of each NetApp fiscal month.
Benefits and incentives YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH MEASURES
Assessments and status changes Lifecycle Services Certified year-over-year measures are assessed as of the end of the day on the last day of the assessment period and
Performance assessment overview are compared against the last day of the previous year’s equivalent assessment period.
Assessment schedule LIFECYCLE SERVICES CERTIFIED–HYBRID CLOUD PERFORMANCE RATIO
Services Certified Group removals The monthly performance ratio is measured at the close of each NetApp fiscal month. For the quarterly assessments, the perfor mance
Deactivation from a track ratio is measured as an average of the 12-month assessment periods as shown in the following chart.
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud Q2 FY’24 Q3 FY’24 Q4 FY’24 Q1 FY’25 Q2 FY’25 Q3 FY’25 Q4 FY’25
Mergers and acquisitions
Promotion 1 29 July 2023–26 July 2024
Resources
Promotion 2 28 October 2023–25 October 2024
Promotion 3 27 January 2024–24 January 2025
Full 27 April 2024–25 April 2025

47 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Services Certified Group removals
Requesting removal of a Group Entity

Overview

Integration Services Certified Partners may remove Entities from their Services Certified Group at any time. To request removal of a company or a subsidiary from a
Services Certified Group, Partners should send an email to [email protected]. Partners may be asked to submit a new NetApp
Lifecycle Services Certified
Services Certified Grouped Partner Relationship Infrastructure Form to complete the removal.
Optimization Services Certified
When a Partner removes an Entity from their Services Certified Group, the deactivation terms in this Program Guide apply to t hat
Services Certified Groups removed Entity. Any Invoiced Bookings, installed base, technical cases, or trained engineers who are assigned to the removed Entity
are no longer included in the Group’s performance assessment calculations.
How to apply

Benefits and incentives

To regain Services Certified status for the Entity that the Partner removed, the Partner must requalify them as per the terms in this
guide. Entities that are removed from a Services Certified Group may not be added back to the Services Certified Group within 12
Assessments and status changes months of removal.
Performance assessment overview
Assessment schedule
Services Certified Group removals
Deactivation from a track
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
Mergers and acquisitions

Resources

48 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Deactivation from a track
Services Certified track deactivation causes

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Performance assessment overview REMOVAL OF PARTNER STATUS FOR CONVENIENCE FOR NONPERFORMANCE
Assessment schedule Partners must remain active as a Either the Partner or NetApp may If Partners do not meet requirements
Services Certified Group removals NetApp Distributor or in an eligible discontinue the Partner’s Services during the annual assessment, they
Deactivation from a track
NetApp Partner Sphere tier as detailed Certified status for convenience by may lose their Services Certified status.
in this guide. If a Partner ceases to meet providing 30 days’ written notice to the
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud this requirement, their Services Certified other party. Partners must submit their Deactivations due to noncompliance
Mergers and acquisitions status will be deactivated immediately deactivation requests by emailing take effect based on the assessment
and automatically without any further [email protected]. schedule.
Resources
notice being required.

49 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Deactivation from a track
Impact of the Services Certified track deactivation

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified

The Services Certified All licenses granted to the The Partner shall immediately Effects of Lifecycle Services
Services Certified Groups Partner shall no longer Partner under the NetApp destroy all NetApp Certified–NetApp Keystone
continue representing itself Services Certified track from confidential information that deactivation on existing
How to apply as a Partner under any which the Partner was pertains to the NetApp Keystone subscriptions are
Benefits and incentives
Services Certified track from deactivated shall terminate, Services Certified track from determined by the terms and
which it was deactivated. whether or not an additional which they were deactivated conditions governing those
Assessments and status changes specific written notice of such and data (including all copies subscriptions.
deactivation is provided to the thereof) that is then in the
Performance assessment overview
Partner. Partner’s possession,
Assessment schedule custody, or control, including,
Services Certified Group removals without limitation, all NetApp
intellectual property. The
Deactivation from a track
Partner shall provide to
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud NetApp a written Certificate
Mergers and acquisitions of Destruction immediately
after such destruction has
Resources
been completed.

If a Partner’s organization has been deactivated from a Services Certified track, the Partner may reapply for activation afte r they once
again meet track requirements.

50 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Deactivation of Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud
Impact on NetApp support services

Overview
Deactivated Lifecycle Services Certified–Hybrid Cloud Partners may no longer
Integration Services Certified procure the services and subscriptions that are available to LSC-HC Partners.
Lifecycle Services Certified Back-end support services contracts that are purchased under Lifecycle Services
Optimization Services Certified Certified–Hybrid Cloud generally remain in effect until contract expiration. LSC-HC
Partners must honor their services commitment, and support their contracts, for this
Services Certified Groups period.
How to apply Any co-terming of services due to add-on sales will require the Partner to sell
Benefits and incentives NetApp branded services to cover the system.

Assessments and status changes NetApp will not refund or provide credit for any unused portion of back-end support
contracts or subscriptions that were purchased by the Partner before their
Performance assessment overview deactivation as an LSC-HC Partner.
Assessment schedule
If the Partner’s program deactivation is due to cause, NetApp reserves the right to
Services Certified Group removals
terminate back-end support services contracts that the Partner purchased from
Deactivation from a track NetApp.
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
Within 30 days of receipt of written notification of termination of back-end support
Mergers and acquisitions or subscription services contracts from NetApp, the Partner is required to notify all
Resources end users who are supported under the Partner’s services that the Partner has
been deactivated as an LSC-HC Partner and that NetApp no longer backs their
managed or support services. To obtain support that is backed by NetApp, end
users must purchase entitlements from NetApp or from another LSC-HC Partner.
If the Partner fails to timely confirm, in writing, to NetApp that they have notified all
relevant end users within the 30-day notification period, NetApp may contact such
end users to provide such notification, as deemed necessary in the sole and
exclusive discretion of NetApp.
51 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL
 Mergers and acquisitions
Effects on Services Certified status

Overview

Integration Services Certified ALL TRACKS

Lifecycle Services Certified
If a Partner’s organization is acquired by or merges with another company, the Partner maintains their
Optimization Services Certified Services Certified status, providing that the new company continues to meet track requirements.

Services Certified Groups

How to apply LIFECYCLE SERVICES CERTIFIED TRACKS

Benefits and incentives
If both companies are Lifecycle Services Certified, the new Lifecycle Services Certified level is
Assessments and status changes determined by aggregating the metrics of the two companies. The new LSC level goes into effect when
the merger or acquisition has been completed in NetApp systems.
Performance assessment overview
Assessment schedule
Services Certified Group removals
Deactivation from a track
Deactivation of LSC–Hybrid Cloud
Mergers and acquisitions

Resources

52 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

RESOURCES
Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives

Assessments and status changes

Resources

Registering NetApp certifications

Services Certified Group
Infrastructure Authorization terms

Taking over services sold by a

different party

Resources

About this guide

53 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Registering NetApp certifications

Overview

Integration Services Certified

Lifecycle Services Certified

Optimization Services Certified

Services Certified Groups

How to apply

Benefits and incentives INDIVIDUAL LINKING CANDIDATE IDS VIEWING STATUS IN VERIFYING COMPLETION
Assessments and status changes CERTIFICATION POLICIES To ensure that a Partner’s
LEARNINGCENTER STATUS
Resources NetApp individual certification certification data is connected It can take 2 to 3 business Partners can manage their
provides industry validation of to their NetApp Learning days from the date of the exam completions of Services
Registering NetApp certifications Services account, it is critical
a Partner’s skills as a NetApp completion for certification Certified track curriculum
Services Certified Group technical professional. The that Partners link their information to be fed into the requirements by using the
Infrastructure Authorization terms candidate ID to their
NetApp Certification Program LearningCenter. For Training and Certification
Taking over services sold by a policies page provides more LearningCenter account. assistance, Partners should Dashboard in NetApp Partner
different party
information. Linking this information helps read the pertinent NetApp Intelligence. Access to this
Resources ensure that a Partner’s profile Learning Services Knowledge dashboard is obtained by
correctly reflects their Base article. emailing Partner Intelligence
About this guide
certification status for Partner Support.
assessment and for transcript
reporting purposes.

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 Services Certified Group Infrastructure Authorization terms

Overview

Integration Services Certified To effectively manage the Services Certified Grouped aspect of our business relationship, the Partner and NetApp both must understand the
products and the services that the Partner purchases and maintains within their operations. NetApp and the Partner must establish a “Services
Lifecycle Services Certified Certified Group” relationship infrastructure that includes all the Entities who are intended to participate in the Services Certified Group. This
infrastructure gives the Partner and their Services Certified Group access to critical information about the Group’s Services Certified performance,
Optimization Services Certified
installed base, support and subscription contracts, NetApp cases, and NetApp bookings.
Services Certified Groups
To establish this infrastructure, the Partner and each company and/or subsidiary (“Entity”) in the Services Certified Group must execute a NetApp
How to apply Services Certified Grouped Partner Relationship Infrastructure Form. This form gives NetApp express authorization to set up a Services Certified
Benefits and incentives Group relationship between the Entities in the Partner’s Group. This authorization allows the centralized service centers and each Entity to have
access to the relevant audit and business data of all Entities who are within this Group relationship, including any personal information included in
Assessments and status changes those datasets. This access is necessary to effectuate the applicable contracts and for NetApp’s and the Partner’s legitimate interest. NetApp
must have the explicit consent of an authorized representative of each Entity in the Partner’s Services Certified Group prior to the
Resources establishment of this Services Certified Group relationship. Each Entity may also have obligations under the law to notify individuals regarding
processing of personal data within the Services Certified Group. Personal information processed by NetApp within the Services Certified Group is
Registering NetApp certifications
processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available at https://www.netapp.com/company/legal/privacy-policy/.
Services Certified Group
Infrastructure Authorization terms
Important note: BY PARTICIPATING IN THE SERVICES CERTIFIED GROUPED ASPECT OF THE SERVICES CERTIFIED TRACKS AND/OR
Taking over services sold by a REQUESTING ACTIVATION OF ANY SERVICES CERTIFIED GROUP RELATIONSHIP RELATED TO THE APPLICABLE TRACKS, THE
different party PARTNER EXPRESSLY WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS TO NETAPP THAT: (A) THE PARTNER HAS OBTAINED ALL NECESSARY LEGAL
Resources CONSENTS OR AUTHORIZATIONS, AS APPLICABLE, FROM EACH RELEVANT CUSTOMER AND EACH ENTITY IN THE PARTNER’S
SERVICES CERTIFIED GROUP, EXPRESSLY GIVING NETAPP PERMISSION TO ESTABLISH THIS RELATIONSHIP, AND IN EACH SUCH
About this guide CASE FROM A REPRESENTATIVE WITH ACTUAL, BINDING AUTHORITY ON BEHALF OF EACH SUCH CUSTOMER OR ENTITY IN THE
PARTNER’S SERVICES CERTIFIED GROUP, AS APPLICABLE; AND (B) THE PARTNER ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY
FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS SERVICES CERTIFIED GROUP RELATIONSHIP AND SHALL INDEMNIFY NETAPP AND HOLD IT
HARMLESS FROM ANY SUCH RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY.

55 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Taking over services sold by a different party
Lifecycle Services Certified tracks

Overview

Integration Services Certified

LIFECYCLE SERVICES CERTIFIED–HYBRID LIFECYCLE SERVICES CERTIFIED–NETAPP
Lifecycle Services Certified CLOUD KEYSTONE
Optimization Services Certified
If a customer chooses to have a Partner assume support If a customer wants to change service providers for their
Services Certified Groups responsibilities on an existing system with NetApp services, NetApp Keystone service within a subscription term, the
the Partner must purchase the respective PartnerChoice or Partner must place an order for a new Keystone subscription.
How to apply
SupportEdge PartnerSelect back-end services for the
Benefits and incentives applicable serial numbers. NetApp will not refund or provide The NetApp Keystone terms between NetApp and the
credit for any unused Support services. Partner govern any cancellation terms and conditions for the
Assessments and status changes original Keystone subscription.
If a customer authorizes a Partner to take over the support
Resources
from an incumbent LSC-HC Partner, the Partner who takes
Registering NetApp certifications over must purchase the respective PartnerChoice or
Services Certified Group
SupportEdge PartnerSelect back-end services from NetApp
Infrastructure Authorization terms for the applicable serial numbers according to the rules of
this guide. NetApp will recognize the Partner with the most
Taking over services sold by a
different party current back-end services purchase as the valid LSC-HC
Partner for the affected serial numbers. NetApp will not
Resources
refund or provide credit for any unused portion of back-end
About this guide Support agreements that were purchased by the outgoing
LSC-HC Partner.
When an end customer purchases a NetApp Support
offering, Partners are not entitled to a refund or to any
service credits from NetApp for any unused back-end
services.

56 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 Resources

Overview
NetApp Partner Sphere
Integration Services Certified
NetApp Partner Sphere
Lifecycle Services Certified
Services Certified information page
Optimization Services Certified Services Certified information page

Services Certified Groups Services Certified LearningCenter workspace

How to apply Services Certified LearningCenter workspace

Benefits and incentives Services Certified application

Services Certified application
Assessments and status changes
Services Certified playbooks
Resources
Services Certified playbooks
Registering NetApp certifications
Partner user registration
Services Certified Group
Infrastructure Authorization terms Partner user registration

Taking over services sold by a About NetApp

different party For questions, Partners should send an email to
[email protected]. NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company, combining unified data storage,
Resources integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions to turn a world of disruption into
About this guide opportunity for every customer. NetApp creates silo-free infrastructure, harnessing
observability and AI to enable the industry’s best data management. As the only
enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in the world’s biggest clouds, our
data storage delivers seamless flexibility. In addition, our data services create a data
advantage through superior cyber resilience, governance, and application agility. Our
CloudOps solutions provide continuous optimization of performance and efficiency
through observability and AI. No matter the data type, workload, or environment, with
NetApp you can transform your data infrastructure to realize your business
possibilities. www.netapp.com

57 © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. NETAPP CONFIDENTIAL

 About this guide

Overview

Integration Services Certified Partners should use this guide to make sure that they are taking advantage of all that the NetApp
Lifecycle Services Certified Services Certified tracks have to offer.

Optimization Services Certified Capitalized terms that are not defined in this document take the meaning provided for them in your
Partner Agreement and the NetApp Partner Sphere Program Guide.
Services Certified Groups
Note: At no time is NetApp obligated to provide or maintain the benefits described in this Program
How to apply
Guide. NetApp reserves the right to modify or cancel available benefits, requirements to obtain such
Benefits and incentives benefits, and this program at any time for any reason on 30 days’ written notice.
Assessments and status changes All requirements and benefits for the NetApp Services Certified tracks are effective as of 27 July 2024
and supersede any previously effective Program Guide. The effective dates of participation and
Resources
associated program benefits vary, depending on when a Partner qualifies for the track. To confirm that
Registering NetApp certifications they are using the current Services Certified Partner Program Guide, Partners should download the
Services Certified Group
latest version.
Infrastructure Authorization terms

Taking over services sold by a

different party

Resources

About this guide

The latest information is on the

NetApp Partner Hub.

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 Copyright information
Copyright © 2024 NetApp, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S. No part of this document covered by copyright may be r eproduced in any form or by any
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