VIENNA, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 01/09/13 -- Merlin International, a leading cyber security and IT solutions provider to the U.S. Federal Government, today announced the company has joined the NetApp U.S. Public Sector Cyber Alliance Program. The NetApp Cyber Alliance is a collaborative program designed to establish partnerships and interoperability of cyber solutions based on NetApp® storage, virtualization, and big data technologies. The main goal of the program is to develop capabilities that enable organizations to better mitigate and respond to cyber threats.

"Merlin has become a recognized expert in Cyber Security solutions as a result of our dedication to innovation for our customers. The NetApp Cyber Alliance embraces that philosophy, and we're proud to be part of a program focused on solving complex challenges, enhancing value and exploring new ideas in security," explained Monty Deel, President of Merlin.

The NetApp Cyber Alliance Program is a comprehensive program that includes collaborative planning and solution designing, laboratory testing, and technology certifications. The goal is to develop end-to-end solutions to improve network, cloud, application, and data security. Merlin's state-of-the-art Innovation Lab will provide some of the laboratory resources for testing and solution development, including optimization with NetApp storage systems.

"Our storage lies at the heart of many large technology environments, and we are proud to add the ability to defend them from cyber-attack or misuse," said Mark Weber, President, NetApp U.S. Public Sector. "Merlin has been a long-time partner of NetApp, and we know they will bring exceptional value to the Cyber Alliance Program."

About Merlin International
Merlin International® is one of the country's fastest growing IT solutions providers and exclusively serves the U.S. Federal Government. Our dedication to government customers provides us unparalleled insight into mission requirements and agency challenges. As a company, we are committed to finding leading-edge, disruptive technologies that allow us to develop truly innovative solutions that better meet mission objectives. A veteran-owned, privately held company, Merlin is a leader in Cyber Security and offers a full complement of technology and service solutions for Healthcare, Civilian, Defense, and Intelligence agencies. The company is headquartered in Englewood, CO, with federal operations in Vienna, VA. More information is available at www.merlin-intl.com.

About NetApp
NetApp (NASDAQ: NTAP) creates innovative storage and data management solutions that deliver outstanding cost efficiency and accelerate business breakthroughs. Our commitment to living our core values and consistently being recognized as a great place to work around the world is fundamental to our long-term growth and success as well as the success of our pathway partners and customers. Use of the words "partner" or "partnership" does not imply a legal partnership between NetApp and any other company. Discover our passion for helping companies around the world go further, faster at www.netapp.com.

Merlin International is a registered trademark of Merlin International, Inc. NetApp, the NetApp logo, and Go further, faster are trademarks or registered trademarks of NetApp, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.