3PAR and Network Appliance have signed an agreement to consolidate their block and file storage services into a single SAN/NAS pool.

The deal, announced Tuesday, allows 3Par's InServ system owners to connect with NetApp V-Series 3000 or 6000 systems and create a block and file data hybrid. As you would expect, direct block access is provided by 3PAR and file access comes via the NetApp kit. The companies have also inked a cooperative support agreement for both sets of products.

While the units must be connected through Fibre Channel, iSCSI can be attached to NetApp's V-Series gear.

Both companies tout the agreement as a customer support decision, but the pact also lets 3Par add a big name behind their Fibre and SCSI block storage boxes, and NetApp expands its V-Series support while keeping the spotlight on its filer head and software.

Individual components of the offering will continue to be sold separately by both companies. ®