Hitachi Vantara, a subsidiary of Hitachi specializing in data storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management, in collaboration with tech giant Cisco, has unveiled a new suite of hybrid cloud services. This new joint offering, named Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud, is set to revolutionize the way modern enterprises manage their data, combining automation and predictive analytics to offer a robust solution for infrastructure management, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness.
As the digital landscape evolves, businesses are increasingly turning to hybrid cloud environments to upgrade their infrastructure. However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges, including limited budgets, rising costs, and a pressing need for innovation. A recent study highlighted this dilemma, showing that over 70% of global leaders are now adopting consumption-based models like IT as a Service (ITaaS) to address these challenges. Gartner predicts that by 2028, consumption-based Storage as a Service (STaaS) will constitute over 35% of enterprise storage capital expenditure, a significant increase from less than 10% in 2023.
Designed to meet these challenges head-on, Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud merges Hitachi Vantara‘s deep expertise in storage and hybrid cloud management with Cisco‘s prowess in networking and computing. This combined effort would promise a seamless experience for users, whether on-premises or in the cloud, with a high degree of customization and support through Hitachi Vantara‘s partner ecosystem. The model is based on pay-per-use pricing, eliminating the need for upfront investment and providing scalable solutions that adapt to business needs.
Key features of this offering include Hitachi Infrastructure Orchestration as a Service (HIOaaS) and Cisco Intersight, which deliver cloud-like management for hybrid environments, ensuring efficient automation and observability. The managed services operating model draws on years of implementation experience, promising to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) for customers “by 30-50%.” Furthermore, the Hitachi EverFlex Consumption Model offers flexible, pay-per-use solutions tailored to hybrid cloud and on-premises environments.
Scalable IT Operational Capabilities
Kimberly King, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partners and Alliances at Hitachi Vantara, emphasized the strategic nature of this partnership, highlighting its potential to simplify complex cloud landscapes for businesses. The alliance aims to provide scalable IT operational capabilities, preparing businesses for future innovation through a robust data foundation.
The collaboration between Hitachi Vantara and Cisco is poised to accelerate hybrid cloud adoption, enhance operational efficiency through automation, and ensure stringent security and compliance measures. Alexandra Zagury, Vice President of Partner Managed and as-a-Service Sales at Cisco, praised the joint efforts, noting the flexibility, reliability, and insights provided by the partnership. The Partner-to-Partner model is expected to drive industry growth by offering customers more choices and enabling partners to develop offerings around their competencies.
Ashish Nadkarni, Group Vice President and General Manager at IDC, recognized the significance of such strategic offerings from industry leaders. By leveraging their unique strengths, Hitachi Vantara and Cisco are well-positioned to empower businesses navigating the complexities of the digital landscape, offering a comprehensive managed services portfolio that addresses the critical needs of enterprises embarking on their hybrid cloud journeys.
