The FlashStack solution uses Cisco network and compute hardware, Pure Storage storage hardware, and VMware for the hypervisor and virtualization layer.
FlashStack CI is not a product, per se, but a Cisco Validated Design (CVD) or reference architecture (RA) that both companies will work together to support. This support includes both Pure Storage’s Flash Forward and Evergreen Storage programs.
A FlashStack CI solution consists of:
The exact configuration of the UCS servers and the FlashArray//m will depend upon the capacity and performance needs of the customer’s workload.
As of this writing, FlashStack CI reference architectures (all considered part of the “v1 FlashStack RA”) are available specifically designed for use with:
While I’m not privy to any FlashStack roadmap plans, I fully expect that we might see other application-specific FlashStack reference architectures before the end of the year. I’d guess Oracle RAC, SAP HANA, and other vendors’ EHR applications.
The FlashStack CI is orderable now from “accredited FlashStack Partners”. Don’t know if the reseller/VAR you normally purchase through is an accredited FlashStack Partner? You’ll have to ask them, or check with your Cisco and/or Pure Storage reps.
Links to more information on the FlashStack CI solution: