HP introduced at VMworld a new VirtualSystem optimized for the
upcoming VMware vSphere 5 designed as a turnkey solution to
speed virtualized infrastructure implementation and act as a foundation for
private clouds.
VirtualSystem
was introduced at HP Discover in July with Microsoft and Citrix versions, and
now HP is releasing a VMware-based version of the solution, which includes
virtualized HP Networking products, HP LeftHand and 3PAR storage products, HP
BladeSystem servers, HP Insight Control for VMware vCenter and on-site
installation services.
“We’re
introducing the new VirtualSystem for VMware. This is part of an effort that
started about two years ago when we introduced the notion of converged
infrastructure,” said Tom Joyce, vice president of marketing, strategy and
operations for HP StorageWorks.
HP
is positioning VirtualSystem against VCE (www.vce.com) vBlock appliances. The
message from HP is that VirtualSystem is a fully integrated system with
hardware coming from only one vendor, whereas the vBlock has hardware from both
Cisco and EMC. HP claims its chosen path is the better one (consider it another
shot fired in the ongoing battle between technology giants).
“It’s
ultimately upgradeable to cloud, so if you compare it to a VCE vBlock from
Cisco and EMC, it’s VMWare only, a collection of technologies from different
vendors and not upgradeable to cloud,” Joyce said.
According
to VCE, vBlock is indeed ready for private cloud implementations.
VirtualSystem
for VMware will ship in three flavours, each with its own target market. VS1
was designed for mid-sized businesses. In one SKU, a customer gets ProLiant
servers, LeftHand storage, Insight Control software, and HP Networking
technology. It can support up to 750 virtual machines on one system.
VS2
is aimed at larger businesses and is built on BladeSystem. It includes LeftHand
storage and Insight Control, as well as HP Networking technology. It can
support up to 2,500 virtual machines or virtual desktops.
VS3
is also built on BladeSystem, but it can be extended across multiple racks (the
other two SKUs are limited to a single rack). Another big difference is it
comes equipped with 3PAR storage, as well as VirtualConnect, TippingPoint and
Insight Control software. According to HP, the hardware is identical to that
found in CloudSystem, the HP private cloud platform announced earlier this
year. If a customer wants to build a private cloud on top of VS3, it can be
done by bringing in additional software, Joyce said.
“Virtually
all customers that we deal with ... are doing virtualization, and it’s gone
from being something that was used in certain types of environments to being
something that’s used everywhere,” Joyce said.
All
three of the models of VirtualSystem are available for the HP’s channel
partners to sell, but Joyce noted that VS3 is likely to be more of a service
provider play.
“I
think that we expect to see a tremendous amount of volume going through our
distribution on the VS1. We have folks that specialize in certain kinds of
solutions like BladeSystem solutions and VDI solutions that will focus on the
VS2,” he said.
Built
as a modular system, HP expects channel partners will be able to sell and
implement VirtualSystem quickly. Pricing starts at $167,300, which includes HP
VirtualSystem for VMware, HP Converged Infrastructure, factory integration and
three years of HP Support Plus 24. Customers can either use existing vSphere
licenses or purchase pre-installed vSphere 5 licenses from HP.
“We
think it’s a pretty unique opportunity for channel partners that are trying to
figure out where to make their bets, who should they line up with, to come take
another hard look at HP because we’ve got a number of benefits here over some
of our direct competition in the space,” Joyce said. “VirtualSystem is a very
unique offering that gets them into 3PAR, which is growing like crazy because
customers have demand for it.”
For
customers that don’t want to go the full VirtualSystem route but want some of
the functionality and benefits, HP is bundling server-based products under the
HP Virtualization Smart Bundles for SMB name.
Hewlett-Packard 
