Nutanix and Cisco Are Joining Forces: Here’s What to Expect

How this strategic partnership accelerates hybrid cloud deployment

Among the biggest challenges IT leaders face in the current technology landscape are figuring out their cloud strategy and modernizing their infrastructure. Two of the most prominent companies helping IT teams navigate these challenges, Cisco and Roundstone Solutions partner Nutanix, have long been competitors in the hybrid cloud infrastructure space.

That all changed in July 2023 when Cisco announced it had forged a “global strategic partnership” with Nutanix. This partnership aims to “simplify hybrid multicloud and fuel business transformation.” While this collaboration is still in its early stages, its potential to “deliver the industry’s most complete hybrid cloud solution” is exciting for those in the technology space. But what does this really mean, particularly for existing Cisco users? Let’s take a closer look at this collaboration and how it helps IT organizations overcome operational hurdles.

Understanding the Nutanix/Cisco Partnership

Founded in 1984, Cisco has been a pioneer in networking and telecommunications for nearly four decades. It specializes in “smarter, more secure routing” via “future-ready routers for every network.” In 2016, Cisco entered the hyperconverged infrastructure space with the release of the Cisco HyperFlex Data Platform, its proprietary hybrid cloud software solution. Meanwhile, Nutanix has focused primarily on cloud computing since its 2009 inception and was the first in the hyperconverged infrastructure space. This often put the two companies at odds, as HyperFlex was a direct competitor to Nutanix’s offerings. Cisco customers could technically use Nutanix software, but Cisco didn’t officially support it.

This partnership changes all of that. Among its benefits is the ability to simplify infrastructure operations with a single hyperconverged solution that leverages both companies’ strengths. This gives IT managers more flexibility as they continue to adapt the latest technologies, SaaS innovations, and multi-cloud operations. Or, to put it in Cisco’s words, “You can deploy hybrid-cloud infrastructure faster and focus on business outcomes with a seamless end-to-end experience.”

Here’s how it all works together: Under the banner of Cisco Compute Hyperconverged with Nutanix, Cisco’s servers, storage, networking, and SaaS operations will integrate with the Nutanix Cloud Platform. This gives businesses working in the cloud a solution that combines “Cisco’s award-winning SaaS-managed compute portfolio with Nutanix’s market-proven cloud platform software,” according to Cisco Senior VP and General Manager Jeremy Foster.

Those who take advantage of this “technology alliance,” as Nutanix calls it, will also have access to Cisco’s top-of-the-line security features like Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Virtual. It’s the best of both worlds: An industry-leading multicloud solution integrated with industry-leading security.

Cisco began rolling out the integrated solution in late 2023. One side effect of this partnership is that, as of September 2023, the Cisco HyperFlex Data Platform has entered its end-of-life stage. Cisco will be retiring the platform over the course of the next year or so, allowing Nutanix’s cloud platform to take center stage. 

Next Steps for HyperFlex Users

While the phrase “end of life” might cause an IT manager’s hair to stand on end, there’s no need to panic. The transition away from HyperFlex will be gradual; you’re not going to lose access to your work in the immediate future. Cisco HyperFlex Data Platform sales will end in September 2024, and software maintenance will continue until September 2025. That said, existing HyperFlex customers should definitely start thinking about what’s next and try to avoid investing any more time and resources into the platform than they have to.

For many HyperFlex users, the most natural move will be to move cloud operations over to the duo’s “turnkey hyperconverged solution,” which is “optimized for a wide range of workloads and capacities.” Generally speaking, Nutanix users report a number of benefits, among them simpler operations, scaling flexibility, and improved system performance — all at significantly lower costs than the public cloud. Of course, switching to a new IT infrastructure is never as simple as pushing a button or pulling a lever, but the right partner can help make the migration as painless as possible.

Streamlining the Transition

When it comes time to migrate from HyperFlex to Nutanix HCI, Roundstone Solutions can help. As a specialist in hyperconverged infrastructure, Nutanix is our leading partner, and we’ve been helping businesses move to more modern IT solutions for over 10 years. We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your specific needs. Want to learn more? Get in touch.