What Is Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track? MICROSOFT PRIVATE CLOUD FAST TRACK is a reference architecture for building private clouds that combines Microsoft software, consolidated guidance, and validated configurations with Cisco technologies including compute, management, network, and storage as well as value-added software components. Built on the Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V technology and Microsoft System Center solutions, Microsoft private cloud offerings can help customers and service providers build dedicated infrastructure as a service (IaaS) environments that transform the way they deliver IT services. Specifically, Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track solutions provide a turnkey approach to delivering scalable, preconfigured, and validated infrastructure platforms for on-premises private cloud implementations. With local control over data and operations, IT can dynamically pool, allocate, secure, and manage resources for agile IaaS. Likewise, business units can deploy line-ofbusiness applications with speed and consistency using self-provisioning (and decommissioning) and automated data center services in a virtualized environment. PRIVATE CLOUD ON YOUR TERMS FASTER DEPLOYMENT Rich features and support make private clouds easy to deploy. End-to-end architectural and deployment guidance Streamlined infrastructure planning due to predefined capacity Enhanced functionality and automation through deep knowledge of infrastructure Integrated management for virtual machine and infrastructure deployment REDUCED RISK Validated configurations mean you can implement with confidence. Tested, end-to-end interoperability for compute, management, network, and storage Predefined, out-of-box solutions based on a common cloud architecture High degree of service availability through automated load balancing CISCO ADVANTAGE Cisco UCS is a next-generation data center platform that unites compute, management, network, storage, and virtualization into a cohesive system designed to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) and increase business agility. The Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) with Windows Server, Hyper-V, and System Center can help to improve data center efficiency by providing: Compute, network, and virtualization resources unified in one system Reduced costs, improved flexibility, and integrated data center management Cisco Unified Network Services technology can help to improve application efficiency by facilitating: Faster downloads More efficient bandwidth use and server processing Greater security and availability over the network Microsoft and Cisco deliver agile private cloud computing through an interoperable hardware and software platform based on standardized reference architecture. A private cloud from Cisco can greatly reduce time-to-value for virtualization infrastructure investments because it unites shared compute, management, network, and storage resources into a flexible, cost-effective solution based on off-the-shelf components. The reference architecture defines a common set of requirements to help IT consolidate hardware platforms into an environment that is more manageable, better used, and less consumptive.
Why EMC and Cisco? EMC AND CISCO ARE COMMITTED TO PRIVATE CLOUD as the next-generation dynamic data center. Together, the partners have designed a single enterprise solution that combines scalable, modular EMC VNX storage systems with innovative Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) blade servers and industry-leading Cisco Nexus switching infrastructure. Through a heterogeneous connectivity model of Fibre Channel (FC), native Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE), and iscsi, VNX storage systems provide a range of connectivity choices for customers deploying Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track solutions. In total, EMC and Cisco have delivered a robust server, storage, and network connectivity solution to provide the scalable and elastic model that private cloud implementations demand. COMPUTE: The EMC/Cisco solution takes advantage of Windows Server virtualization capabilities by using Cisco UCS blade servers, which are built on the latest Intel CPU technologies and optimized for multitenant server workloads, shared memory, and I/O capacity. High availability and live migration are enabled through Microsoft failover clustering capabilities. Components from CPUs to physical drives are used optimally. Each server is configured with the memory and network adapters optimized for Microsoft Hyper-V virtualization. All Microsoft products are deployed on Cisco UCS servers that use EMC VNX storage to simplify deployment for virtualization. MANAGEMENT: The EMC/Cisco solution takes advantage of Microsoft System Center 2012 capabilities through the use of Cisco UCS management packs. This enables comprehensive management and automation of compute and storage workflows across cloud infrastructures. Cisco offers comprehensive infrastructure management under the control of Microsoft Windows PowerShell through the Cisco UCS PowerTool, an intuitive management tool based on a command-line interface. Operations teams can use the UCS PowerTool to combine the management of storage elements, compute components, and software applications into a custom, end-to-end management solution that is easy to use and script. Cisco provides support for System Center 2012 through the Operations Manager and Orchestrator management packs. NETWORK: EMC and Cisco have created an integrated networking solution based on Cisco Nexus switching technology for dynamic virtual environments to more securely extend data center services to users across locations. Cisco provides resilient, highly available connectivity for virtualized, cloud-enabled, and convergence-ready environments. Cisco Nexus 5548UP switch solutions deliver industry-leading layer 2 switching with 10-gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) performance to address demanding virtual machine environments, while preserving easy management and compact, high-density form factors of up to 48 ports. Cisco converged network solutions within the Nexus environment provide scalable connectivity for 10 GbE, FC, and FCoE. Multiple, redundant vhbas and vnics are implemented within the UCS blade system, providing Hyper-V servers with multiple SAN and Ethernet ports, in addition to advanced failover and load balancing TCP/IP offload engine capabilities. STORAGE: The EMC VNX family delivers industry-leading innovation and enterprise capabilities for file, block, and object storage in a scalable solution that is easy to use. This next-generation storage platform combines powerful and flexible hardware with advanced efficiency, management, and protection software to meet the demands of today s enterprise. EMC VNX storage solutions are used in top-tier data centers to enable storage based on best practices for enterprises of virtually any size. The solutions include software that is designed to simplify storage deployment and management and offer end-to-end data protection. IT can simplify the deployment and administration of consolidated storage environments with automated load balancing across disks, RAID sets, connections, cache, and controllers. Greater reliability can be achieved through hot-swappable and redundant components, providing a highly redundant, scalable system that includes dual controllers, fan trays, and power supplies. Virtual machines can move between physical hosts by using the encapsulation feature of Hyper-V in the storage architecture. Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track Architecture The solution includes EMC and Cisco hardware and architecture that are configurable based on purpose, size, and environment. It also supports the operating system, virtualization, and management capabilities offered by Windows Server 2008 R2, Hyper-V, and System Center. With System Center, IT can proactively manage both physical and virtual systems on-premises or hosted; across applications, data, and security using unified monitoring, common interfaces, and consistent policy. The server fabric consists of similarly configured, swappable server blades that can be replaced for upgrades, repair, and capacity changes. Automated load balancing limits service interruption. COMPUTE NETWORK STORAGE Windows Server Hyper-V decouples applications and data from the hardware layer, enabling workload-independent virtualization and management of the server computing environment. SAN/NAS resources are shared among all servers in the fabric, although they can be dynamically allocated to specific workloads or hosts. Network traffic for applications, clustering, and other services is handled by a grid of high-speed switches (and/or Fibre Channel, iscsi) to provide exceptional I/O bandwidth among the fabric nodes.
Private Cloud Technologies Customers can take advantage of the cost savings of virtualization through Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Multiple server roles can be consolidated as separate virtual machines on a single physical machine that runs different operating systems in parallel and uses the power of x64 computing. A cloud and data center management solution, Microsoft System Center 2012 provides a common toolset to manage private and public cloud applications and services. This solution: Spans physical, virtual, and cloud computing models with common management experiences throughout. Provides comprehensive, end-to-end management for infrastructure and applications, including interoperability for heterogeneous environments. Offers compelling economic value. EMC VNX 5300 Shared storage array with enhanced support for EMC Fully Automated Storage Tiering (FAST ), thin storage, and flexible drive technology (for optimized access by Hyper-V hosts) Scalable, redundant intelligent controllers for increased capacity, fault tolerance, and load balancing Can be optimized for virtual applications with Hyper-V integration; automation makes deployment easy Support for high performance and easy management through scalable and self-managing arrays CISCO UCS BLADE SYSTEM Individual configurations with the memory and network adapters required for Hyper-V High I/O throughput (aggregated 10 GbE controllers for connectivity at as much as 40 gigabytes per second) Architecture that supports high availability and live migration Support for Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft System Center 2012 - Virtual Machine Manager and Operations Manager CISCO NEXUS Managed, high-performance layers 2 and 3, and FCoE/FC solutions for efficient resource mobility and access High port density switches with flexible external I/O choices that connect to existing infrastructure, helping to protect investments Support for 10-gigabit SAN and NAS connectivity for high-performance data delivery FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.microsoft.com/privatecloud http://www.emc.com/platform/microsoft.htm http://www.emc.com/hypervcloud http://www.emc.com/vnx http://www.cisco.com/en/us/products/ps10265/index.html http://www.cisco.com/en/us/products/ps9670/index.html 2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication and is subject to change at any time without notice to you. This document and its contents are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind, and should not be interpreted as an offer or commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented. The information in this document represents the current view of Microsoft on the content. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT. The descriptions of other companies products in this document, if any, are provided only as a convenience to you. Any such references should not be considered an endorsement or support by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot guarantee their accuracy, and the products may change over time. Also, the descriptions are intended as brief highlights to aid understanding, rather than as thorough coverage. For authoritative descriptions of these products, please consult their respective manufacturers.
Why NetApp and Cisco? FLEXPOD: THE FOUNDATION FOR A MICROSOFT PRIVATE CLOUD. Together, NetApp and Cisco deliver a strong foundation for a Microsoft private cloud: NetApp provides sophisticated storage capabilities and tight integration of data management software with Microsoft products, while Cisco supplies a leading-edge data center platform that consolidates core functionalities. When your organization builds a private cloud on NetApp storage, Cisco server and network infrastructure, Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, and Microsoft System Center solutions, it can deliver IT services and applications more efficiently and cost effectively. Plus, you can move to the Microsoft-based private cloud model incrementally, without replacing your current infrastructure. Compute: NetApp partners with Cisco to deliver state-of-the-art enterprise computing resources. The Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) is a server platform specifically designed for virtualized environments. Unite compute, network, storage connectivity, and virtualization into a single cohesive system. Eliminate time-consuming manual integration, reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), and dramatically increase business agility. Automate large-scale server and application deployments by using policy-based service profile templates in Cisco UCS Manager. Network: NetApp partners with Cisco for leading Ethernet connectivity. Cisco UCS integrates computing resources with Cisco Nexus switches and a unified I/O fabric. Greatly simplify network management and reduce costs by consolidating traffic onto a single high-performance, highly available 10-gigabit Ethernet network. Take advantage of the integration of computing resources by using Cisco Nexus switches to provide an intelligent method for identifying and handling different types of network traffic. Storage: The unified architecture from NetApp can help to reduce cost and complexity by meeting the storage requirements in your private cloud environment with a single highly scalable solution. Optimize performance with your choice of iscsi or Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) running over a single converged 10-gigabit Ethernet network. Enhance efficiency and save disk space with built-in deduplication and thin provisioning. Deploy thousands of virtual machines in minutes with NetApp rapid cloning technology. Boost availability with integrated NetApp Snapshot technology for space-efficient backups. Create dynamic disaster recovery capabilities with NetApp SnapMirror technology and integration with Microsoft System Center - Orchestrator. Integrate storage with major applications to automate key storage management, data protection, and security activities while managing storage from familiar, application-centric interfaces. Management: The FlexPod solution takes advantage of System Center 2012 capabilities through the use of Cisco UCS management packs, which enable the comprehensive management and automation of compute and storage workflows across cloud infrastructures. Cisco offers comprehensive infrastructure management controlled by Windows PowerShell with Cisco UCS PowerTool, a user-friendly UCS management tool that is based on a command-line interface. Operations teams can use Cisco UCS PowerTool to more easily tie together the management of storage components, compute components, and software applications into a custom, end-toend management solution that is easy to use and easy to script.
Private Cloud Technologies Customers can take advantage of the cost savings of virtualization through Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Multiple server roles can be consolidated as separate virtual machines on a single physical machine that runs different operating systems in parallel and uses the power of x64 computing. A cloud and data center management solution, Microsoft System Center 2012 provides a common toolset to manage private and public cloud applications and services. This solution: Spans physical, virtual, and cloud computing models with common management experiences throughout. Provides comprehensive, end-to-end management for infrastructure and applications, including interoperability for heterogeneous environments. Offers compelling economic value. FlexPod combines NetApp and Cisco components and expertise to deliver a prevalidated, best-in-class solution that interoperates with Microsoft private cloud infrastructure. Leading Components Cisco Unified Computing System Cisco Nexus family switches System Center management packs Cisco UCS PowerTool NetApp fabric-attached storage (FAS) hardware and complete software bundle FlexPod Features Flexible and performance-matched stack that scales to fit Microsoft application workloads Step-by-step design, deployment, and application sizing guides Enhanced efficiency and disk space savings through built-in deduplication and thin provisioning Consolidated, multiprotocol, high-performance, and highly available 10-gigabit Ethernet network with support for iscsi and FCoE (Fibre Channel is available separately, if desired) Support for multiple classes of computing and storage in a single deployment NetApp data management software integration with Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, as well as the Orchestrator, Virtual Machine Manager, and Operations Manager components of System Center 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.microsoft.com/privatecloud http://www.netapp.com/microsoftcloud http://www.netapp.com/us/products/storage-systems/fas3200/ http://www.cisco.com/go/microsoft http://www.cisco.com/en/us/products/ps10265/index.html http://www.cisco.com/en/us/solutions/ns340/ns517/ns224/ns1097/ unified_network_services.html 2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication and is subject to change at any time without notice to you. This document and its contents are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind, and should not be interpreted as an offer or commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented. The information in this document represents the current view of Microsoft on the content. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT. The descriptions of other companies products in this document, if any, are provided only as a convenience to you. Any such references should not be considered an endorsement or support by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot guarantee their accuracy, and the products may change over time. Also, the descriptions are intended as brief highlights to aid understanding, rather than as thorough coverage. For authoritative descriptions of these products, please consult their respective manufacturers.
Why NetApp, Cisco, and Citrix? FLEXPOD: THE FOUNDATION FOR A MICROSOFT PRIVATE CLOUD WITH VIRTUAL DESKTOP INFRASTRUCTURE. Together, NetApp, Cisco, and Citrix deliver a strong foundation for a Microsoft private cloud: NetApp provides sophisticated storage capabilities and tight integration of data management software with Microsoft products; Cisco supplies a leading-edge data center platform that consolidates core functionalities; and Citrix delivers desktop virtualization. When your organization builds a private cloud on NetApp storage, Cisco server and network infrastructure, Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, and Microsoft System Center along with Citrix XenDesktop it can deliver IT services and applications more efficiently and cost effectively. In addition, you can move to the Microsoft-based private cloud model incrementally, without replacing your current infrastructure. Validated Application Workload: NetApp and Cisco partner with Citrix to bring desktop virtualization through Citrix XenDesktop to FlexPod with Microsoft Private Cloud environments. Provision and manage large VDI environments quickly and efficiently Provision virtual machines (VMs) up to 25 times faster than with a traditional SAN Run up to 2,000 virtual desktops in a validated environment that is fully integrated with Microsoft System Center 2012 Deploy supplementary FlexPod units under the same management framework for even greater scale Compute: NetApp partners with Cisco to deliver state-of-the-art enterprise computing resources. The Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) is a server platform specifically designed for virtualized environments. Unite compute, network, storage connectivity, and virtualization into a single cohesive system. Automate large-scale server and application deployments by using policy-based service profile templates in Cisco UCS Manager. Network: NetApp partners with Cisco for leading network connectivity. Cisco UCS integrates computing resources with Cisco Nexus switches and a unified I/O fabric. Greatly simplify network management and reduce costs by consolidating traffic onto a single high-performance, highly available 10-gigabit Ethernet network. Take advantage of the integration of computing resources by using Cisco Nexus switches to provide an intelligent method for identifying and handling different types of network traffic. Storage: The unified architecture from NetApp can help to reduce cost and complexity for virtual desktop storage in your private cloud environment with a single highly scalable solution. Enhance efficiency and save disk space with built-in deduplication and thin provisioning. Deploy thousands of virtual machines in minutes with NetApp rapid cloning technology. Boost availability with integrated NetApp Snapshot technology for space-efficient backups. Create dynamic disaster recovery capabilities with NetApp SnapMirror technology and integration with Microsoft System Center - Orchestrator. Management: The FlexPod solution takes advantage of System Center 2012 capabilities with Cisco UCS management packs, which enable the comprehensive management and automation of compute and storage workflows across cloud infrastructures. NetApp provides the Data ONTAP PowerShell Toolkit, which makes NetApp APIs available within Windows PowerShell scripts to automate a wide variety of NetApp-specific management and operational tasks. Cisco offers comprehensive infrastructure management controlled by Windows PowerShell with Cisco UCS PowerTool, a user-friendly UCS management tool that is based on a command-line interface. Operations teams can use Cisco UCS PowerTool to more easily tie together the management of storage components, compute components, and software applications into a custom, end-to-end management solution that is easy to use and easy to script.
Private Cloud Technologies Customers can take advantage of the cost savings of virtualization through Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Multiple server roles can be consolidated as separate virtual machines on a single physical machine that runs different operating systems in parallel and uses the power of x64 computing. A cloud and data center management solution, Microsoft System Center 2012 provides a common toolset to manage private and public cloud applications and services. This solution: Spans physical, virtual, and cloud computing models with common management experiences throughout. Provides comprehensive, end-to-end management for infrastructure and applications, including interoperability for heterogeneous environments. Offers compelling economic value. Citrix XenDesktop is a leading desktop virtualization solution that delivers Windows desktops and applications to any user, anywhere, on any device. With XenDesktop, you can securely deliver individual Windows, web, and software as a service (SaaS) applications, as well as full virtual desktops, to PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones, laptops, and thin clients. FlexPod combines NetApp and Cisco components to deliver a prevalidated, best-in-class data center or infrastructure solution that interoperates with Microsoft private cloud infrastructure. Leading Components Cisco Unified Computing System Cisco Nexus family switches System Center management packs Cisco UCS PowerTool NetApp fabric-attached storage (FAS) hardware and complete software bundle FlexPod Features Flexible and performance-matched stack that scales to fit Microsoft application workloads Step-by-step design, deployment, and application sizing guides Enhanced efficiency and disk space savings through built-in deduplication and thin provisioning Consolidated, multiprotocol, high-performance, and highly available 10-gigabit Ethernet network with support for iscsi and FCoE (Fibre Channel is available separately, if desired.) Support for multiple classes of computing and storage in a single deployment NetApp data management software integration with Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V, as well as the Orchestrator, Virtual Machine Manager, and Operations Manager components of System Center 2012 FOR MORE INFORMATION http://www.microsoft.com/privatecloud http://www.netapp.com/microsoftcloud http://www.netapp.com/us/products/storage-systems/fas3200/ http://www.cisco.com/go/microsoft http://www.cisco.com/en/us/products/ps10265/index.html http://www.cisco.com/en/us/solutions/ns340/ns517/ns224/ns1097/ unified_network_services.html http://www.citrix.com/xendesktop 2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication and is subject to change at any time without notice to you. This document and its contents are provided AS IS without warranty of any kind, and should not be interpreted as an offer or commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented. The information in this document represents the current view of Microsoft on the content. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT. The descriptions of other companies products in this document, if any, are provided only as a convenience to you. Any such references should not be considered an endorsement or support by Microsoft. Microsoft cannot guarantee their accuracy, and the products may change over time. Also, the descriptions are intended as brief highlights to aid understanding, rather than as thorough coverage. For authoritative descriptions of these products, please consult their respective manufacturers.