According to the report, "NetApp's scale-out file-based solution, clustered Data ONTAP, is different from other market alternatives that leverage a host-based distributed file system. Because of this approach, NetApp has an advantage over its competitors whose platforms based on distributed file systems lacked mature support block storage, storage optimization features, and server virtualization... With 8.1.1 of ONTAP, NetApp has further improved its clustering capabilities while adding new features such as virtual storage tiering, transparent data migration, nondisruptive operations, embedded flash acceleration, and support for very large content containers and scale clusters." "NetApp's position as a leader in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Scale-Out File-Based Storage is validation of our vision and ability to innovate in the storage marketplace," said Brendon Howe, vice president, Product and Solutions Marketing, NetApp.