Imagine Virtually Anything
The collective advantage of Cisco, NetApp, and VMware for Data Center Transformation
Cisco, NetApp, and VMware believe that a virtualized dynamic data center represents one of the most effective foundations for cloud computing and the realization of IT as a service. Together we provide the primary solution components to make this happen:
- Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) reduces the number of network switches and integrates compute resources around a unified I/O fabric.
- NetApp® unified storage architecture supports multiple protocols as well as primary, secondary, and archive storage with a single platform.
- VMware vSphere™ provides the platform for infrastructure virtualization. VMware vCenter™ Server provides the universal hub to centrally manage all virtualized server, network, and storage resources.
A single unified architecture
The consolidation of resource silos into dynamic resource pools is the first step toward a virtualized data center. Our integrated approach to virtualization can simplify management and cut investment and operating costs across server, network, and storage infrastructure layers. A unified virtualized architecture lets you effectively run everything from mission-critical applications to enterprise-wide virtual desktops.
Our methodology for data center transformation includes the following strategies:
- Virtualization of everything: Consolidate servers by a ratio of 10-to-1, eliminate 90% of networks ports and cables, and use 50% less storage.2
- End-to-end Ethernet: Reduce complexity and cost with a tested and proven 10GbE virtualized data center solution. You can support all SAN, NAS, and LAN traffic on a “single wire” without compromising performance or security.
- Centralized management: Manage server, network, and storage resources from a “single pane of glass” within VMware vCenter Server. All of our infrastructure components are certified to work together.
Secure multi-tenancy
A shared virtual infrastructure requires that resources for different tenants, clients, business units, or departments are securely isolated while delivering on promised service levels. Cisco, NetApp, and VMware have teamed up to offer the industry’s first end-toend secure multi-tenancy solution for virtual environments. This solution enables you to deliver committed levels of performance while maintaining data security by isolating server, network, and storage layers for each tenant, as illustrated in Figure 2. You can establish the appropriate quality of service for each resource layer to maintain consistent service levels for each tenant. With secure multi-tenancy, your business units and customers get better performance, availability, and responsiveness with the cost efficiency of a shared infrastructure.
