How do I connect to NetApp ONTAP?

Configure Bocada Cloud to collect backup data from a NetApp ONTAP system using SPI (HTTP) and SSH access following the steps below. 

1. Log into Bocada Cloud

• On the left navigation menu, click Connections, then +Add.  
• Click the NetApp ONTAP tile.
• You will be able to choose either a Windows-compatible or Linux-compatible agent.
• Name the Data Collection Agent which will appear in the Bocada Cloud UI.
• Follow the steps on each screen which are also explained below. 

2. Download and Install the Bocada Cloud Data Collection Agent

First, you will need to download and install the Bocada Cloud Data Collection Agent in the private network where the system(s)/server(s) that use NetApp ONTAP is located. The agent will connect to the system(s) to collect data locally and send it to Bocada Cloud for reporting and monitoring.

Follow the prompts on the screen to:

• Give the data collection agent a name.

• Download and install the data collection agent. Note: it is recommended that you install the agent on the same system (machine/server) where NetApp ONTAP is installed as it simplifies the connection. 

• Copy the unique Authentication key from the Bocada Cloud UI and paste it into the agent to register it.

• Test that the connection between the data collection agent and Bocada Cloud is working correctly. 

4. Install PuTTY (Required) 

Bocada uses PuTTY tools to establish SSH trust with the NetApp system.  Before adding configuration details for the NetApp ONTAP connection in Bocada Cloud, first install PuTTY on the same server where you installed the Bocada Data Collection Agent. 

Download PuTTY (64‑bit) from the official site: https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html

5. Cache the NetApp SSH Fingerprint 

Open a Command Prompt or PowerShell on the system/server where the Bocada Cloud Data Collection Agent is installed and run: 

plink <ssh-username>@<netapp-hostname> 

Example: 

plink ssh-user@netapp.my.localdomain.com 

• When prompted that the server key is not cached, type Y and press Enter. 
• This stores, the SSH fingerprint locally.
• Close the terminal window after the connection succeeds. 

6. Add Connection Details

After you have successfully installed PuTTY and cached the NetApp SSH Fingerprint, return to Bocada Cloud and complete the required fields to configure the connection to NetApp ONTAP.

• Data Collection Agent: this field will be pre-populated with the agent you just installed; however, you can select a different agent if you have more than one set up. 
• Organization: this field will be pre-populated with your main organization (Billing Entity); however, you can select a different organization if you have more than one set up.
• Connection Name: give this connection a name which will display in the Bocada Cloud UI and reports. 
• Data Collection Source: by default, "Log File via SPI (HTTP)" will be selected. Note: connecting to NetApp ONTAP via REST API will be supported in the future. 
• Server Type: select which NetApp ONTAP version you have:
  • CDOT - use for modern ONTAP versions greater than 8.3 & 9.x cluster/SVM management.
  • 7-Mode - use only for legacy ONTAP systems.
• Server Hostname: enter the Hostname or IP address for the NetApp HTTP Server. Add the port number if not the default (for example: netapp.myinternaldomain.corp:8080).
• Access Method: select the transport used for SPI/REST calls; choose HTTPS when available.
• HTTP Username: enter the username of the SPI/File Share user configured in NetApp with read access to NetApp logs where applicable.
• HTTP User Password: enter the password for the SPI/File Share user identified above.
• SSH Username: enter the username of the SSH user with rights to query data.
• SSH User Password: enter the password for the SSH user identified above.
• Time Zone: Enter the time zone where the backup system/server resides.

7. Test Connection

Click the Next button to test the connection. If the connection is successful, you will be asked to select how many days in the past (up to the past 8 days) of backup data you want to collect to initially populate reports and your Dashboard. Then, your connector will run data collections every hour after that point. 

If the connection is unsuccessful, you will be able to click the “Previous” button to edit your connection details and try again. 

Troubleshooting 

• SSH connection errors – Ensure PuTTY is installed and plink was executed at least once. 

• Authentication failures – Verify that the user credentials for the HTTP & SSH users are correct.

• Connection timeout – Confirm network ports 22 and 443 are open. 

• CDOT option not working – Ensure your NetApp ONTAP version is 8.x or later.