Hyperconverged Infrastructure is a software-defined system that combines the elements of conventional data centers, such as storage, computing, and network management. It helps replace manual processes with converged IT processes for efficient resource management. It reduces infrastructural cost by offering flexibility and scalability. It combines servers and storage that help in creating flexible building blocks. Commodity data center hardware is combined with locally attached storage devices to eliminate the need for separate servers and storage networks. They run on multiple nodes to efficiently utilize of shared computing and storage resources. They offer a higher degree of automation to traditional converged infrastructure. Overall, it improves IT infrastructure by automating the entire networking stack. Here are the Top 10 leading HCI solutions to look for in 2023.
1. Dell EMC VxRail
The Dell EMC VxRail is a hyper-converged solution developed by Dell in collaboration with VMware. Dell VxRail is responsible for running VMware vSAN. VxRail offers storage, computing, and networking in one single device. With Vxrail in place, Dell can provide single-click installation and fully certify the system hardware. It offers a minimum of 3 and a maximum of up to 64 nodes in a single cluster. It is designed to support virtual desktop infrastructure environments, private clouds, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
2. Microsoft Azure Stack HCI
Azure Stack HCI is a cluster-based solution powered by Microsoft that hosts and ensures the storage of virtual Windows and Linux workloads in a hybrid atmosphere. Azure stack offers various services such as virtualization, scaling of Microsoft SQL server, central security updation, and many more. You can build a hyper-converged cluster using Microsoft Azure Stack that helps in creating a high-performing superior storage system. It works well with third-party backup, security, and monitoring tools.
3. Cisco HyperFlex HX-Series
The Cisco Hyperflex HX series is a high-performing system that supports multiple hypervisors using high-grade data management and optimal services. It’s a virtual server platform that combines storage, computing, and network with the Cisco HX data platform for establishing single-point connectivity. It offers high scalability by allowing you to add more storage capacity by adding a Cisco Hyperflex server. It integrates with VMware vSphere to provide a seamless experience of data management.
4. Nutanix AOS
Nutanix AOS is built on the top of Acropolis Hypervisor, which supports on-premise cloud operations. It helps in virtualization according to new resource requirements. They offer Kubernetes and allow storage, computing, and networking in one cluster for running applications on public or on-premises cloud options. Acropolis Operating System offers data services that provide data protection, high scalability, and security. It overcomes the limitations of traditional SAN and NAS.
5. SmartX
SmartX is a reliable HCI platform that provides advanced data protection and supports different applications to ensure business continuity in the events of uncertainity. It can quickly scale with an increase in workload. It offers high-performance Kubernetes support needed for creating the best DevOps practices. It provides flexible and low-cost HCI solutions to next-generation enterprises.
6. NetApp HCI
NetApp HCI creates a data fabric for companies to access different locations. It integrates with Cloud Backup to add flexibility for different cloud systems and workloads to enable the expansion of traditional HCI. It delivers high-grade predictable performance by consolidating workload at the virtual machine level. It uses VMware as its virtualization platform. It offers high scalability by enabling users to scale both storage and compute resources separately.
7. HPE SimpliVity
HPE SimpliVity is a self-optimized HCI platform that uses AI and machine learning to offer solutions for consolidating data centers, GPU image processing, and mixed workloads. They have an interface for solid storage and backup management including centralized version of the HPE StoreOnce and HPE Cloud Volumes backup. HPE offers a reliable VDI solution for training remote employees.
8. VMware vSAN
VMware vSAN is a single software-driven platform that uses data storage devices to create a virtual environment for managing computing and storage within a single platform. vSAN eradicates the need for extra storage space by working all storage functions on a single platform. Vsan integrated with Vsphere offers virtualization and functions as multiple software layers within the hypervisor. It allows easy sharing of files by using File Sharing VM on each host.
9. Pivot3 Acuity
Pivot3 Acuity uses a policy-based Intelligence system and NVMe Flash to offer a quality experience to users by simplifying operations. It helps in revenue generation by directing resources to critical workloads. It provides two hybrid and flash solutions for increasing the performance of HCI nodes. It provides independent scaling, thus saving money on resource capacity. It improves data center efficiency by ensuring data protection with patented erasure coding.
10. StarWind HyperConverged Appliance
StarWind is a highly resilient turnkey system that uses a highly efficient and adaptable approach to reduce virtualization expenses. It uses a software storage system, which helps reduce the cost required to maintain dedicated storage hardware. It ensures the connectivity of servers, disk, and flash within a single layer. It is highly scalable, it allows users to add extra nodes as per their requirements.
