Pure Storage FlashStack CI: All-Flash Approach to Converged Infrastructure

Pure Storage, Inc. unveiled FlashStack CI: a line of heterogeneous converged infrastructure (CI) solutions comprised of  reference architectures, deployment and sizing guidelines and single-call support, delivered through FlashStack authorized support partners within the Pure Storage Partner Program (P3) FlashStack CI solutions are tested, pre-validated and proven to streamline the implementation of infrastructure, delivering faster time to value for service providers and enterprise customers.

The introductory configurations combine FlashArray 400 Series arrays with Cisco UCS Blade Servers, Cisco Nexus switches, vSphere 5 and VMware Horizon 6, to form turnkey, performant flash-powered infrastructure stacks that optimize virtual server (VSI) and virtual desktop (VDI) deployments at scale.

IT departments are increasingly turning to converged infrastructure (CI) solutions to simplify the design and repeatability of their data center infrastructure investments. Until now, the vast majority of CI solutions have been saddled with the complexity, inefficiency and poor performance of mechanical disk. FlashStack CI solutions offer an all-flash alternative to disk-based offerings, and simplify and streamline the selection, planning, design, implementation and support of complete data center infrastructure stacks powered by virtualization and flash. Fueled by FlashArray, FlashStack CI uniquely eliminates performance bottlenecks, increases infrastructure reliability and provides rack space, power and cooling savings.

FlashStack CI for Virtual Desktops
FlashStack CI for VMware Horizon includes a reference architecture that combines 400 Series FlashArrays, UCS Blade Servers and Nexus switches, and vSphere 5.5 with Horizon 6 to enable implementation and time to value of a high performance infrastructure that supports VDI deployments. It can scale from hundreds of desktops up to 3000 in one standard rack, with sub-millisecond response times for a ‘better than desktop’ end user experience flashStack CI VDI solutions include 24/7/365 single-call support delivered through FlashStack Authorized Support Partners.

“VMware Horizon, the industry’s most comprehensive desktop solution, paired with Pure Storage FlashStack CI, will provide organizations with technology that is simple to deploy and can accelerate time to value,” said Sumit Dhawan, SVP and GM, desktop products and end user computing, VMware. “With Pure Storage FlashStack CI and VMware Horizon, customers can realize the benefits of a flexible and high performing VDI solution.“

Introducing FlashStack CI for Virtual Servers
FlashStack CI for vSphere combines 400 Series FlashArrays, UCS Blade Servers and Nexus switches, and vSphere 5.5, to enable implementation for virtual server deployments. Offering infrastructure for business-critical applications, FlashStack CI for VSI lets users consolidate hundreds of enterprise VMs into a single stack and provision 1000+ VMs in minutes, while sustaining sub-millisecond response times for mission-critical workloads. The solution also includes 24/7/365 single-call support delivered by Pure Storage FlashStack authorized support partners.

FlashStack CI: Uniquely Backed by Channel-Led, Single-Call Support
FlashStack CI solutions are delivered and supported by FlashStack authorized support partners (ASPs). They are trained and certified to sell and support Cisco, VMware and Pure Storage technologies, ensuring they can offer unified Level 1 and Level 2 support, for a seamless and personalized customer experience. Customers benefit from customized turnkey solutions, services and support from their providers.

FlashStack CI solutions with single-call support are available to purchase from FlashStack ASPs in select regions, including: Datalink in the United States, Proact in the UK, and Southern Cross in Australia. The company will continue expanding its FlashStack CI solutions and their global availability, with the addition of new reference architectures, technology configurations, and FlashStack ASPs in 2015. Through its channel-led go-to-market strategy for FlashStack CI, Pure Storage is reaffirming its commitment to being a channel-centric vendor.

“As all-flash storage matures, customers are asking Pure Storage to provide ‘full stack’ solutions to speed the adoption of next-generation infrastructure. Delivering absolute simplicity and the best possible storage experience is core to our vision, so developing converged infrastructure solutions that deliver on that promise is an important step forward for Pure,” said Matt Kixmoeller, VP of products and marketing, Pure Storage. “Together with our trusted FlashStack ASPs, we are eliminating the adoption barriers of all-flash VSI and VDI infrastructure for our mutual customers and accelerating ROI.“

“As an industry leading integrator of Cisco-centric converged data center infrastructures, Datalink is pleased to add FlashStack to our suite of offerings. We have already installed FlashStack in our lab and in production environments, and stand ready to provide our customers with a single point of accountability-spanning design, installation, support, and management-for this multi-vendor, converged solution,” said Shawn O’Grady, COO, Datalink Corp. “We are pleased to be expanding our partnership with Pure Storage as the first FlashStack Authorized Support Partner in the United States.“

“As they refresh their infrastructures and consider improving how they deliver IT services, our customers and prospects show real interest in innovative solutions such as converged systems. They simplify implementation of infrastructure and speed up the time to deliver measurable cost savings, providing smart, and strong, investment. Until now there have been few options to support a truly next-generation converged infrastructure,” said Mark Butcher, commercial director, Proact Group. “Pure Storage’s FlashStack, however, offers a comprehensive, high performance scalable solution, and we are proud to be the first FlashStack partner in the UK.“

“Building upon market leading products from Pure Storage, VMware and Cisco, FlashStack CI makes it simple for enterprises to unlock the benefits of a next-generation infrastructure for modern data centers. We are very excited to be the first FlashStack Authorized Support Partner in the AsiaPac region, delivering this powerful, enterprise-ready solution,” said Mike Sakalas, CEO, Southern Cross Computer Systems. “The partnership between Southern Cross and Pure Storage will offer our customers a truly converged infrastructure powered by flash – a solution that has no equal in the market today. This is yet another example of Southern Cross bringing innovative solutions to market that accelerate success for our customers.“