Today’s customers are increasingly seeking agility, scalability, and security in their IT infrastructure. These demands require strategic partnerships that can offer comprehensive solutions. Cisco’s recent alliance with Nutanix stands out as a prime example, offering the industry’s most complete hyperconverged solution. Jeremy Foster, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cisco Compute, said In an August 2023 press release announcing the partnership, “Customers are asking for solutions that are simple, sustainable, and future-ready….By combining Cisco’s award-winning SaaS-managed compute portfolio with Nutanix’s market-proven cloud platform software, we can help customers develop a balanced approach to power modern workloads on-prem and in the cloud.” In a recent interview with EDGE360, Cade Girod, TD SYNNEX Strategic Business Manager, Cisco Data Center, sat down to discuss this partnership and all that partners need to know to get the most out of it, as well as some upcoming end-of-service products.
At the core of the Nutanix-Cisco partnership lies the goal of simplifying infrastructure operations. Girod explained, “The partnership offers a cloud-operating model that provides visibility, control, and consistency for hyperconverged systems across highly distributed environments.” This simplification streamlines operations, empowering partners to focus on innovation rather than wrestling with infrastructure complexities.
More specifically, the partnership provides an end-to-end solution for infrastructure and applications. “Partners can easily deploy and operate infrastructure and applications globally with one solution that is built, managed, and supported holistically,” Girod said. “This includes a best-in-class cloud-operating model for streamlined operations.” As applications have become key interfaces for customer interaction, businesses are in search of these types of solutions, and it’s vital that partners introduce their customers to what can most help them.
The collaboration between Nutanix and Cisco brings a new dimension to Cisco’s portfolio, enhancing its offerings with comprehensive solutions to infrastructure challenges. Girod emphasized, “Flexibility and choice in Cisco servers, along with SaaS innovations and multi-cloud integration, provide partners with unmatched adaptability to dynamic business and application requirements.” This expanded portfolio equips partners with the tools needed to address a wide array of customer needs, from traditional infrastructure demands to emerging cloud-native applications.
In addition to exploring the benefits of the Nutanix-Cisco partnership, understanding the critical role partners play in facilitating smooth transitions for their customers, Girod shed light on upcoming end-of-service products. “As UCS M4 servers and Nexus Gen 1 switches near their end-of-service dates, partners can guide their customers through these transitions by recommending migration paths to newer, more advanced solutions like UCS M7 or M8 Servers and Nexus 9k switches.” By proactively addressing these transitions, partners ensure their customers remain at the forefront of technology innovation, driving business growth and resilience.
Overall, the Nutanix-Cisco partnership represents a significant milestone in the evolution of data center solutions. By simplifying infrastructure operations, enhancing Cisco’s portfolio, and guiding customers through technology transitions, this collaboration empowers partners to deliver unparalleled value to their customers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, strategic partnerships like Nutanix-Cisco will play a crucial role in shaping the future of IT infrastructure, driving innovation, and enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
