FlexPod SF converges NetApp SolidFire onto Cisco hardware

SUNNYVALE, California — #NetApp today launched its second #SolidFire-based converged product this month, this time in partnership with #Cisco. The #FlexPod SF extends the FlexPod converged infrastructure reference architecture lineup that combines NetApp storage with Cisco UCS servers and switching. But instead of using NetApp FAS storage, FlexPod SF runs the SolidFire Element OS on Cisco rack servers for the storage piece of the infrastructure. FlexPod SF also includes Cisco UCS blade servers and Nexis Ethernet switching in the iSCSI scale-out block storage system.

http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/blog/Storage-Soup/FlexPod-SF-converges-NetApp-SolidFire-onto-Cisco-hardware

CenturyLink delivers automation solution for SAP applications management

#CenturyLink is rolling out enhanced automation for infrastructure management in #SAP applications. This will be delivered in partnership with both SAP and #Cisco. The new, fully managed solution has been built for customers that run workloads on SAP software. It is designed to change how customers address the development and management of SAP applications and analytics. CenturyLink, who has worked closely with Cisco and SAP in development, has built the new solution on #FlexPod technology which was designed by #NetApp and Cisco. The tool is designed to enable customers to realise faster time-to-value at lower costs.

http://www.cbronline.com/news/enterprise-it/software/centurylink-delivers-automation-solution-sap-applications-management/

NetApp's David Wright On SolidFire And Building A New Hyper-Converged Infrastructure

When #NetApp acquired #SolidFire just a little over a year ago, NetApp talked about the unique value of the SolidFire all-flash storage solution, particularly regarding how it applies to the building of hyper-scale, all-flash data center infrastructures. But secretly hidden behind the veil surrounding the two vendors' plans lurked another possibility: Building NetApp's first hyper-converged infrastructure solutions based on SolidFire. NetApp was a pioneer in converged infrastructure thanks to its long, and successful, #FlexPod partnership with #Cisco. And FlexPods are also now becoming available using SolidFire's all-flash storage arrays. But NetApp has been slow to hyper-converged, with nothing to show so far except a brief attempt to develop solutions based on VMware's now-discontinued EVO:Rail solution. That is about to change. NetApp plans to shortly introduce its first real foray into the hyper-converged infrastructure market using SolidFire as a base. Ahead of that announcement, SolidFire founder David Wright used a conversation with CRN to provide some details and talk about why SolidFire is the right choice for NetApp's plans.

http://m.crn.com/slide-shows/storage/300084059/crn-exclusive-netapps-david-wright-on-solidfire-and-building-a-new-hyper-converged-infrastructure.htm?itc=ticker

CRN Exclusive: Arrow Teams With StrataCloud to Simplify NetApp-Cisco Converged Infrastructure Setup

Solution providers working with distributor #Arrow can now access a #StrataCloud software application that reduces the configuration time for #NetApp - #Cisco #FlexPod offering from 70 hours to just 60 minutes. Incorporating StrataCloud's SDI Install into Arrow's FlexPod offering will allow smaller partners to get into the converged infrastructure market and free up engineers at solution providers of all sizes to more do more complex, high-end work, said Tamara Ells, Centennial, Colo.-based Arrow's senior director of commercial sales, NetApp. "This is the first tool that I've seen that actually takes automation that full step," Ells told CRN exclusively. "This becomes one piece of a much greater picture."

http://m.crn.com/news/data-center/300081768/crn-exclusive-arrow-teams-with-stratacloud-to-simplify-netapp-cisco-converged-infrastructure-setup.htm

NetApp Introducing Channel Rules Of Engagement, New Entry-Level FlexPods

#NetApp is setting new rules of engagement as part of a three-year strategy to grow its storage business via indirect channel partners.

The company is also engaging with one of its top distributors, Avnet, on a new series of #FlexPod converged infrastructure solutions, including versions starting at under $60,000, said Bill Lipsin, vice president of global channels for the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based storage vendor.

http://m.crn.com/news/storage/300080017/netapp-introducing-channel-rules-of-engagement-new-entry-level-flexpods.htm

VCE uncertainty has fuelled Flexpod enquires, says ANS

#Flexpod partner #ANS says #Dell - #EMC deal is driving #VCE customers into its arms
Uncertainty over the future of VCE is driving customers into the arms of rival converged infrastructure outfit Flexpod, according to one of Flexpod's partners.
Paul Sweeney, chief executive of ANS (pictured), claimed his firm had seen a spike in inbound enquiries for Flexpod since #Dell announced its proposed acquisition of VCE parent #EMC last month.

Although EMC and Cisco's respective CEOs swiftly released a joint statement saying the two companies are "completely committed to VCE", some customers harbour doubts over Cisco's long-term stance on the alliance, Sweeney said.
"We've had inbound enquiries from people who were looking at [VCE brand] Vblock and have thought ‘hang on, we better look at Flexpod'," Sweeney said.
"They're nervous about the future of that relationship long term. If they're starting on a five-year strategy, after two years, will Dell replace the #Cisco compute component? It's that uncertainty that is leading people pick up the phone."
In the summer, ANS launched a private cloud solution, #RAPID, built on Flexpod, an integrated computing, networking and storage solution developed by Cisco and #NetApp. RAPID is designed to compete head to head with VCE in the enterprise space.
"[The Dell acquisition] is a perfect opportunity for our sales team to go out and start knocking on doors and creating demand for Flexpod," Sweeney said.
Cisco last year cut its stake in VCE to 10 per cent but chief executive Chuck Robbins pledged his commitment to the alliance in a joint statement to customers and partners with EMC boss David Goulden in the wake of the Dell takeover.
"VCE will be a very important part of the new combined company and EMC and Cisco are committed to working together to ensure that we continue to deliver the industry's best Converged Infrastructure customer experience," the joint statement read.
The duo added: " #Vblock will remain exclusively based on Cisco #UCS servers, #Nexus networking and #ACI technology. EMC remains committed to utilising Cisco networking and the ACI architecture throughout the VCE offering portfolio."

http://m.channelweb.co.uk/crn-uk/news/2433734/vce-uncertainty-has-fuelled-flexpod-enquires-says-ans