Hitachi Vantara and Cisco unveil next-gen hybrid cloud services for enterprise evolution

As enterprises increasingly turn to hybrid cloud environments for infrastructure modernization, they grapple with tight budgets, rising costs, and a surge in demand for innovation. A recent study reveals that over 70 per cent of global leaders are adopting consumption-based models like IT as a Service (ITaaS) to combat ongoing modernization challenges. This trend is anticipated to grow, with Gartner predicting that by 2028, consumption-based Storage as a Service (STaaS) will replace over 35% of enterprise storage capital expenditures.

Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud is strategically designed to address these challenges head-on. Leveraging Hitachi Vantara's expertise in storage, infrastructure, managed services, and hybrid cloud management, combined with Cisco's proficiency in networking and computing, the comprehensive offering ensures a consistent experience whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud. It provides flexibility through various customization levels and is accessible through Hitachi Vantara’s partner ecosystem. The support and consumption-based model deliver cost efficiencies via pay-per-use pricing, offering resilient, scalable solutions without upfront investments. The diverse portfolio includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), STaaS, Containers as a Service (CaaS), data protection, managed operations services, professional services, and learning services.

Key capabilities of the offering include:

1. HIOaaS and Intersight: Hitachi Infrastructure Orchestration as a Service (HIOaaS) and Cisco Intersight offer full observability, delivering cloud-like management for on-premises and cloud environments, enabling robust performance analytics, hybrid cloud observability, and efficient automation.

2. Managed Services Operating Model: Drawing on extensive implementation experience, the managed services operating model ensures seamless operational transitions, informed decision-making, and expedited provisioning without requiring dedicated IT staff.

3. Hitachi EverFlex Consumption Model: This elastic consumption model ensures flexible, pay-per-use solutions for hybrid cloud and on-premises environments.

Kimberly King, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partners and Alliances at Hitachi Vantara, emphasized the strategic response of Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud to modern enterprise needs. She stated, "Our ability to deliver through our partners and Cisco’s network directly tackles the complexity challenge by providing strong IT operational capabilities that can be scaled based on customer data management needs."

Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud delivers impactful outcomes for customers, including:

-Hybrid Cloud Acceleration: Facilitates a seamless hybrid cloud environment, enabling data storage and processing across diverse locations.

- Efficiency through Automation: Automates routine tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human errors through IaaS.

- Security and Compliance: Implements comprehensive security strategies and compliance measures, ensuring data encryption, access controls, and threat prevention.

Alexandra Zagury, Vice President of Partner Managed and as-a-Service Sales at Cisco, highlighted the holistic approach to achieving customer business outcomes through the combined portfolio. She noted, "Our combined portfolio delivers the reliability, flexibility, and insights that allow the customer to be more agile in today’s dynamic business environment."

Ashish Nadkarni, Group Vice President and General Manager, Worldwide Infrastructure Research at IDC, acknowledged the instrumental role of such strategic offerings between trusted industry leaders in effectively addressing the mounting complexities enterprises face on their hybrid cloud journeys.

Axel Heitmann, Director of Data Center and Networking at Computacenter, expressed the compelling opportunity this joint initiative presents for partners and resellers, amplifying their ability to deliver customized hybrid cloud services for customers.