Hyper-converged Infrastructure is a software-stipulated system. It combines all the functions carried out in a traditional data centre.
These functions include storage, computing, networking, and management. Cisco HCI and Nutanix are two HCI solution providers that are very popular among the masses.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco HCI is a hyper-converged infrastructure solution that combines computing, storage, and networking into a single system. At the same time, Nutanix is a software-defined data center solution that uses a distributed architecture to provide high performance and scalability.
- Cisco HCI uses Cisco’s UCS servers, while Nutanix can be used on various servers.
- Cisco HCI is designed for larger enterprises with complex IT environments, while Nutanix is a good fit for small to medium-sized businesses.
Cisco HCI vs Nutanix
The difference between Cisco HCI and Nutanix is that Cisco HCI comes in a series called HyperFlex which only works with Cisco Hardware. Due to this, it lacks flexibility. On the other hand, HCI, launched by the company Nutanix is more flexible as it allows its users to work with various hardware options.
Cisco HCI is a software-defined platform launched by the American multinational technology corporation Cisco Systems, Inc.
It combines data services software as well as software-defined storage with Cisco’s unified computing system.
Together, they integrate networking, computing and storage resources which allows the product to yield excellent reliability and efficiency.
Nutanix HCI is a software-defined platform that integrates servers, networking, storage, and virtualization resources.
It has a wide variety of capabilities, two of which include end-to-end systems management and operation management.
The platform supports several different hardware, which accounts for enterprise-grade scalability and availability. Moreover, the cost of the product is much cheaper than Cisco HCI.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Cisco HCI | Nutanix |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | The first Cisco HCI system was launched in 2015. | The first Nutanix HCI system was launched in 2009. |
| Cost | Cisco HCI is more expensive than Nutanix. | Nutanix HCI is affordable and not as expensive as the former. |
| Flexibility | Cisco HCI lacks flexibility as it only works with Cisco hardware. | Nutanix HCI is flexible, as it can work with several hardware options. |
| Hypervisor | Cisco HCI supports Microsoft HyperV and VMware vCenter. | Nutanix HCI supports VMware ESXI, Microsoft Hyper V and KVM. |
| Erasure Coding | Cisco HCI has no erasure coding and only supports N+1 and N+2. | Nutanix HCI supports erasure coding across various nodes. |
What is Cisco HCI?
Cisco HCI is a hyper-convergence infrastructure system that the company launched in 2015.
It offers a variety of features to its users, including independent scaling, continuous data optimization, dynamic data distribution, as well as integrated management and data services.
The system is quite popular among the masses, with over 50,000 users worldwide.
The system is able to work on UCS components that already exist, as well as new storage components. The servers also work according to the product line of UCS launched by Cisco.
The HCI platform’s networking complies with the Cisco UCS Fabric interconnects. This makes the product restricted, as it only works with other Cisco hardware.
Cisco HCI may not be as flexible as other HCI platforms available in the market.
Cisco HCI is only available with the VMware hypervisor vCenter as well as Microsoft Hyper V. Using this, and the platform also manages its storage.
Currently, the product is available in three different models – 1U, 2U and a combination of rack servers with blade servers.
1U is a model made for a small footprint, whereas the other two are for the maximum capacity. The newest model also facilitates high computing.
However, customers feel that the price of Cisco HCI is too high as compared to others.
What is Nutanix?
Nutanix is a cloud computing company that sells cloud services, software, and software-defined storage. It was founded in 2009 and launched its first hyper-convergence infrastructure platform in the same year.
Its product brings together storage, computing and virtualization for its users. This single network facilitates distribution, balance, and efficiency in accomplishing tasks.
The system includes an inbuilt hypervisor called the KVM. However, it works with other hypervisors, including VMware EXSI and Microsoft Hyper V. It also has software-defined storage and networking.
The platform allows multiple nodes to be clustered together to form pools. These pools share computing and storage resources that allow a user to work on the platform conveniently.
Some of the benefits of using this system include simple connectivity, easy scale-up, one-click upgrade software and firmware, minimum rack space and cooling, as well as localization.
It also facilitates minimum or no hop between components to increase transmission speed. By dint of these, Nutanix HCI has managed to make it to the list of top technology market leaders.
Nutanix has also developed several SaaS solutions that make using the platform way easier than before.
The entire infrastructure can be made transparent, and all the workloads can be analysed as well. All this comes at an affordable price that is not very heavy on the pockets.
Main Differences Between Cisco HCI and Nutanix
- Cisco HCI was launched in 2015, whereas Nutanix was launched in 2009.
- Cisco HCI is expensive, whereas Nutanix is affordable and not as costly as the former.
- Cisco HCI lacks flexibility due to restricted hardware options, whereas Nutanix offers flexibility with several hardware options to work on.
- Cisco HCI supports Microsoft Hyper V and VMware Center, whereas Nutanix supports VMware ESXI, Microsoft Hyper V and KVM.
- Cisco HCI has no erasure coding, whereas Nutanix supports erasure coding across various nodes.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=C0CEDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT32&dq=cisco+hci+and+nutanix&ots=tpGhuPsZ96&sig=qgFTx1lk9z929ho0yPvTAoAjeq4
- https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-030-11404-6.pdf
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The cost and flexibility differences between Cisco HCI and Nutanix are crucial for organizations. This article does a great job of highlighting these disparities.
Indeed, the comparing table provides a clear overview of the two systems and their capabilities.
This article seems to lean towards favoring Nutanix over Cisco HCI. It might benefit from a more balanced perspective on both platforms.
Cisco HCI and Nutanix both have their own advantages and limitations. The detailed comparison will help companies in choosing the right hyper-converged infrastructure for their business.
Couldn’t agree more. Understanding the unique features of each option is essential for making an informed decision.
The affordability and flexibility of Nutanix make it a compelling option. However, the effectiveness of the VMware hypervisor in Cisco HCI should not be overlooked.
Absolutely, features like the VMware hypervisor can significantly impact the choice between these two systems.
An interesting read on Hyper-converged Infrastructure. If it is as useful as it seems, I believe it could transform most business operations.
The restrictions and pricing concerns associated with Cisco HCI are well-addressed in this write-up. It’s imperative for businesses to take these factors into consideration when making a decision.
The in-depth information about Cisco HCI and Nutanix presents an insightful analysis. It’s a commendable piece that offers a comprehensive understanding of these complex systems.
This article provides a detailed comparison between Cisco HCI and Nutanix. I appreciate the clarity and precision of the information here.