In a strategic move to tackle the complexities and rising costs associated with modernizing enterprise infrastructure, Hitachi Vantara and Cisco have unveiled a groundbreaking suite of hybrid cloud services. The joint offering, known as Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud, integrates automation and predictive analytics to offer organizations a future-ready solution for advanced infrastructure management, cost efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

As organizations increasingly turn to hybrid cloud environments to drive innovation, they grapple with budget constraints and escalating costs. A recent study reported reveals that more than 70 percent of global leaders are adopting consumption-based models, such as IT as a Service (ITaaS) to address modernization challenges—a trend expected to grow. According to Gartner, by 2028, Consumption-based Storage as a Service (STaaS) is predicted to replace 35 percent of enterprise storage CapEx.

Customized, Consumption-based Model

Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud is purpose-built to meet these challenges. By combining Hitachi Vantara's expertise in storage, infrastructure, and hybrid cloud management with Cisco's networking and computing proficiency, the offering delivers a consistent experience on-premises or in the cloud.

Available in customizable levels through Hitachi Vantara’s partner ecosystem, it provides flexibility with a support and consumption-based model, offering cost efficiencies through pay-per-use pricing and scalable solutions without upfront investment. The portfolio includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), STaaS, Containers as a Service (CaaS), data protection, managed operations services, professional services, and learning services.

Key capabilities of Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud include:

• HIOaaS and Intersight: Full observability for cloud-like management in on-premises and cloud environments, offering performance analytics, hybrid cloud observability, and efficient automation.

• Managed Services Operating Model: Seamless operational transitions, informed decision-making, and expedited provisioning without dedicated IT staff. This model can reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by 30-50 percent, according to Hitachi estimates.

• Hitachi EverFlex Consumption Model: Flexible, pay-per-use solutions for hybrid cloud and on-premises environments.

Kimberly King, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partners and Alliances at Hitachi Vantara, explains in a recent statement that "Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud is a strategic response to modern enterprise needs. Our partnership addresses the complexity challenge, providing robust IT operational capabilities scalable based on customer data management needs."

Partner Opportunity: Deliver Customized Hybrid Cloud

Hitachi EverFlex with Cisco Powered Hybrid Cloud is designed to deliver impactful outcomes, which according to Hitachi include:

• Hybrid cloud acceleration: Facilitating seamless hybrid cloud environments for data storage and processing across diverse locations.

• Efficiency through automation: Automating routine tasks to enhance operational efficiency and reduce human errors through IaaS.

• Security and compliance: Implementing security strategies and compliance measures, ensuring data encryption, access controls, and threat prevention.

Axel Heitmann, Director of Data Center and Networking at Computacenter, a long-time partner to both Hitachi Vantara and Cisco, sees this initiative as a compelling opportunity for partners and resellers to deliver customized hybrid cloud services for customers.

Read the full Hitachi Vantara and Cisco announcement. 

Image Credit: Hitachi Vantara