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Automate deployment in the data center, in remote offices, or at the edge
Easily place computing where your data and customers are
Your data, customers, and operations are increasingly spread across wide geographies, balanced between core data centers and the edge. New AI workloads, for example, demand updated infrastructure to make inferences in branch offices, in retail locations, or at the network edge. New mobile apps need support close to users, but with the support of IT infrastructure in the data center. The challenge is how to deploy and manage infrastructure at scale, whether with a large number of servers at a core data center or with a large number of dispersed locations.
● Solve many of today’s IT challenges with hyperconverged infrastructure that integrates servers with distributed, scale-out storage
● Streamline deployment of distributed environments with automated workflows
● Simplify operations with an enhanced solution-support model combined with proactive, automated resiliency
● Secure with validated server onboarding—plug in the network, claim in Cisco Intersight, and securely configure your cluster
● Have flexible networking options to support seamless integration into existing IT environments
Zero-touch deployment through automated workflows
Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) is the solution to many of today’s challenges because it offers built-in data redundancy and a smooth path to scaling up computing and storage resources as your needs grow.
The Cisco Compute Hyperconverged with Nutanix (Cisco HCI with Nutanix) solution helps you overcome the challenge of deploying on a global scale with an integrated workflow. The solution uses Cisco Intersight® to deploy and manage physical infrastructure, and Nutanix Prism Central to manage your hyperconverged environment. Cisco and Nutanix engineers have tightly integrated our tools through APIs, establishing a joint cloud-operating model.
Deployment is orchestrated by Nutanix Prism Central using Cisco Intersight policies, so you can deploy hyperconverged clusters in any location, with cookie-cutter repeatability. This means that edge locations no longer need skilled IT staff to be present. Once the server is racked and connected to the network, bare-metal firmware and operating system installation are part of automated processes for fast and accurate deployment (Figure 1).
Simplify and scale deployments with Cisco Compute Hyperconverged with Nutanix solution
Simplify cluster operations
Cisco Intersight automates with policies and templates that eliminate manual errors, drives consistency, and enforces security and compliance. Using a cloud-based model, it is constantly connected to Cisco® Technical Assistance Center (TAC), enabling:
● Current security advisories pertinent to your infrastructure
● A hardware, software, and firmware stack that is consistent with our compatibility lists
● Coordination with TAC teams for fast issue resolution, including automated log uploads
● Proactive RMAs that can replace components before they fail
Secure and govern
Secure, cloud-based management is part of our DNA. Through Cisco Intersight, you can enjoy authenticated and secure server onboarding using the Intersight Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) device connector. Connections from servers to the cloud are encrypted from the moment they are established.
Nutanix on Cisco Compute
Supercharge deployment speed and simplify hyperconverged cluster management— anywhere—with integrated, automated workflows combined with enhanced flexibility and your choice of network infrastructure.
Deploying HCI at scale is easier than ever
Cisco HCI with Nutanix makes it easier than ever to deploy in multiple environments, including the edge. While core data-center locations typically use Cisco UCS® fabric interconnects to integrate a cluster into a single system, it’s often easiest in branch, remote, and edge locations to use existing networks. The solution broadens your choices for more flexibility:
● Connect HCI clusters through existing network infrastructure
● No need for supporting network infrastructure (such as DHCP servers)
● Monitoring of cluster health by virtual witness nodes, thus enabling failover with small edge clusters
● Choice of server platforms with Cisco HCI M6 and M7 1RU and 2RU form factors
● Flexible networking choices with Cisco Virtual Interface Cards (VICs) and also Intel® Network Interface Cards (NICs)