Cisco adds multi-cloud services to its HyperFlex platform

Networking giant Cisco has added new functions to the latest version of its HyperFlex cloud platform to make it more compatible with multi-cloud operations. 

This is the third version of the HyperFlex software and Cisco claims that it can now integrate with “any application, on any cloud, at any scale”.

The new “enhancements” – as Cisco calls them – include support for Microsoft Hyper-V, stretch clusters, containers, and new multi-cloud services that enable applications to be deployed, monitored and managed in any cloud.

Cisco says rival solutions for hyper-converged platforms “neglect” the crucial roles that networking and distributed file systems play in the performance and scaling of clustered servers.

HyperFlex enables users to support a broader array of applications, including databases and mission-critical ERP workloads, says Cisco.

The latest release of HyperFlex builds on what Cisco claims is this “superior architecture” and expands the opportunity for customers to simplify more.

Liz Centoni, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s computing systems product group, said: “Customers tell us they need operational simplicity, effortless scalability, and the ability to serve the unique needs of each of their applications.

“The new HyperFlex platform underscores our commitment to continuously simplify and improve data center operations and help organizations thrive in a multi-cloud world.”

Among the features of HyperFlex are its ability to run “any application”. For example:

• Multi-hypervisor support: In addition to VMware ESXi, HyperFlex adds hypervisor support for Microsoft Hyper-V.
• Container support: Data platform enhancements include a FlexVolume driver to enable persistent storage for Kubernetes managed containers, enabling development and deployment of cloud-native applications on HyperFlex.
• Enterprise application validations: HyperFlex is ready for a wide range of workloads with workload profiling and sizing tools available to support application migration projects. In addition to design and deployment guides for Virtual Server Infrastructure (VSI) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Cisco design guides are now available for mission-critical databases, analytics and ERP applications – including Oracle, SQL, SAP, Microsoft Exchange, and Splunk.

Additionally, HyperFlex is said to offer multi-cloud software from Cisco, including:

• Application performance monitoring: AppDynamics with HyperFlex enables performance monitoring of hybrid applications running on HyperFlex and across multiple clouds.
• Application placement: Cisco Workload Optimization Manager (CWOM) for HyperFlex assists customers with automated analysis and workload placement.
• Cloud management: Introduced last year, CloudCenter for HyperFlex enables workload lifecycle management across one to many private and public clouds.
• Private cloud: CloudCenter for HyperFlex simplifies the deployment and management of VM’s, containers and applications, making it easy for developers and administrators to consume private clouds.