EMC has launched a set of reference architectures called VSPEX, comprised of storage, back-up, virtualisation, server and network technologies from partners Brocade, Cisco, Citrix, Intel, Microsoft, and VMware, aimed at simplifying cloud deployment.
The fourteen initial VSPEX configurations represent some of the most commonly used configurations in moving to cloud computing. The use cases are focused on enabling organisations to accelerate deployment of private cloud and end user computing environments.
The VSPEX Proven Infrastructure is available exclusively through EMC’s partner network, who will rebrand the solutions for their own customers. The company said that "for the first time partners can fully leverage the EMC brand and industrial design in delivering VSPEX solutions". EMC will also provide VSPEX labs for partners to test, validate and demonstrate the new solutions.
Andrew Hough, vice president, mid-tier storage sales, EMEA, EMC, said that there was a gap in the market with VBlock at one end and self-build at the other. VSPEX, said Hough, provides greater choice in what to use but with the confidence of proven reference designs for specific roles. All this is possible while retaining flexibility to select servers and networking as desired. "This is a set of technologies where we have spent a lot of time making sure they work together," said Hough.
According to EMC, VSPEX Proven Infrastructures delivers predictable performance that significantly reduces the planning, sizing and configuration burdens of adopting private cloud or end-user computing environments. Additionally, validation of the VSPEX configuration greatly reduces deployment time.
For private cloud deployments, organisations have the option of running VMware vSphere 5.0 or Microsoft Windows Hyper-V from 50-250 virtual machines and for end-user computing deployments there is a choice between VMware View and Citrix XenDesktop from 50 to 2000 virtual desktops. Tight alignment with Windows Server Hyper-V and VMware vSphere cloud infrastructure provides organisations with a single point of management using System Center for Microsoft cloud and VMware vCenter Operations Management Suite for private cloud deployments. EMC said that further VSPEX configurations will be made available based on partner demand.
The architectures are built on VNX and VNXe unified storage systems and Avamar and Data Domain next-generation backup products. Leveraging technologies such as data deduplication, compression and Fully Automated Storage Tiering (FAST), EMC said that organisations can expect to significantly lower operational costs. By integrating these technologies tightly with the hypervisor and end-user computing environments, organisations can also benefit from simpler administration and lower management costs.
The VSPEX designs allow organisations a flexible approach to combine server, network, and virtualisation technologies into a proven infrastructure validated by EMC, with EMC storage and backup infrastructure. The organisation’s channel partner of choice, who best understands their specific requirements, can customise VSPEX to meet their needs.
"Cisco is focused on helping our customers accelerate their transition to the cloud with integrated solutions, like EMC’s VSPEX Proven Infrastructures," said Wendy Bahr, senior vice president, global strategic partner organisation, Cisco. "EMC’s VSPEX with Cisco UCS and Nexus Switches provide customers with a rapid path for deploying cloud applications and increased flexibility to scale their infrastructures as their business needs grow and to maximise their return on investment."
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