Server NewsVCE Launches New Converged Server Platforms

VCE Launches New Converged Server Platforms

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Five years on, VCE continues to build out new systems, even as the new need for converged compute, storage and networking grows.

The Virtual Computing Alliance (VCE) was founded by tech giants VMware, Cisco and EMC back in 2009 as a way to build, package and deliver converged server infrastructure. The cornerstone of VCE’s portfolio is the Vblock System portfolio, which integrates compute and networking components from Cisco, with storage from EMC and virtualization technology from VMware.

Today VCE officially announced three new Vblock systems, further expanding the portfolio with new hardware VCEoptions.

At the top end is the new Vblock System 740, which includes a Cisco UCS 5108 server chassis, as well the UCS B-Series M3 Blade Server and UCS B-Series M4 blade servers. Up to sixteen UCS server chasses can be included in each Vblock domain.

Networking on the System 740 is enabled by Cisco Nexus 5500 series switches and storage is delivered by the EMC VMAX system. For virtualization, VMware’s tools are at the core, including ESXI, vSphere Server Enterprise Plus and vCenter Server.

The Vblock System 540 is being positioned by VCE as the first all Flash Solid State Drive (SSD) converged infrastructure system. At the core of the System 540 are EMP XtremIO flash arrays. The System 540 can include up to 6 EMC XtremeIO X-Bricks, delivering up to 20 TB of raw storage capacity.

At the entry level of the new VCE systems is the Vblock System 240, which includes up to 12 Cisco C220 M3 rack-mount servers. The storage piece is delivered by the EMC VNX5200 entry-level storage system.

Increasingly, converged systems are the backbone of cloud infrastructure and VCE is now positioning itself as a cloud enablement solution as well. The new VCE Integrated Solutions for Cloud Management offering includes a stack of software to help organizations manage cloud deployments.

One of the cloud management solutions leverages Cisco’s UCS Director management software. The other cloud management solution includes VMware’s vRealize Suite management platform.

“The IT industry continues to shift toward hybrid cloud computing models, which requires organizations to re-evaluate their approach for how to deliver IT services,” Todd Pavone, executive vice president, product strategy and development, VCE, said in a statement. “
Our new Vblock Systems, integrated solutions and technology extensions are a significant step forward in helping VCE customers prepare for the hybrid world.”


Sean Michael Kerner is a senior editor at ServerWatch and InternetNews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TechJournalist.

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