Cisco and Nutanix have announced a far-reaching global strategic alliance to introduce the Cisco Compute Hyperconverged with Nutanix solution, set to be distributed through Cisco's extensive channel network.
This groundbreaking partnership integrates Nutanix Cloud Platform, encompassing its hyperconverged software suite, with Cisco UCS servers and networking infrastructure.
The result is hailed as the industry's most comprehensive hyperconverged solution, designed to drive IT modernization and business transformation.
Jeremy Foster, Cisco Compute's Senior Vice President and General Manager, emphasized the increasing demand for simplified, sustainable, and future-ready solutions from customers.
He highlighted the partnership's ability to provide a complete solution spanning virtual computer, networking, and storage across both on-premises data centers and public clouds.
Tarkan Maner, Nutanix's Chief Commercial Officer, echoed Foster's sentiments, emphasizing the need for an integrated hardware and software platform to support flexible application deployment across various environments.
The partnership aims to deliver an expanded market opportunity for both organizations.
The Cisco-Nutanix offering integrates Cisco's SaaS-managed UCS computer, networking, and Intersight management with Nutanix's suite of cloud platform solutions.
This includes Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Manager, Unified Storage, and Desktop Services. The solution will support UCS rack and blade servers, with initial support for C-Series Servers and planned future support for UCS X-Series.
HyperFlex specter at the feast
While the partnership signals a significant move for both Cisco and Nutanix, questions arise about Cisco's existing hyperconverged offering, HyperFlex HX-Series, which is based on software acquired from HCI vendor Springpath in 2017. Despite the dominance of VMware and Nutanix in the HCI market, Cisco's HyperFlex remains available globally.
Cisco's VP of product management, DD Dasgupta, previously highlighted efforts to enhance Hyper Flex’s affordability and performance, including the introduction of HyperFlex Express products and nodes built with AMD EPYC processors. However, the role of HyperFlex in the context of the Cisco-Nutanix partnership remains uncertain.
When questioned about the coexistence of HyperFlex with the new Cisco-Nutanix offering, Cisco reiterated that HyperFlex remains globally available with no changes to its product roadmap. While the partnership expands choice for customers, Cisco affirms its commitment to offering both best-in-class solutions.
As the Cisco-Nutanix HCI product is expected to be available within three months, the industry eagerly awaits further details about how HyperFlex use cases may differ from the new offering and any potential migration paths between the two platforms.
Overall, the Cisco-Nutanix partnership signifies a significant shift in the hyperconverged infrastructure landscape, promising customers a comprehensive solution that combines the strengths of both companies.
With organizations increasingly seeking integrated hardware and software platforms to support their evolving IT needs, this collaboration is poised to address key challenges and drive innovation in the hyperconverged market.
