VMware, NetApp and Cisco join hands for datacenter architecture
By siliconindia   |   Thursday, 28 January 2010, 18:26 IST
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Bangalore: Cisco, NetApp and VMware have announced a project to improve the security of virtualization deployments, with an aim to isolate applications that use the same physical network, server and storage resources in multi-tenant systems. The companies will provide clients with a "secure multi-tenancy design architecture," an 80-page document that details how to safely deploy virtualized applications with products from the three companies, and are introducing a cooperative support model to make it easier for customers to resolve problems. The pre-tested and validated design architecture is for customers who have deployed the Cisco Unified Computing System; Cisco Nexus Switches; NetApp FAS storage with MultiStore software, which creates logical partitions within a storage system; and VMware's vSphere virtualization software with vShield, another tool that creates secure, logical partitions in virtual systems. System integrators and channel partners will also be able to use the design to sell stacks of hardware and software composed of the technology from all three companies. According to representatives of the vendors, it can be difficult for customers to link the Cisco, NetApp and VMware products together in a way that protects them from dangers that crop up in multi-tenant environments. If configured properly, applications and associated data can be isolated between business units, customers, departments or specified security zones. "We see this as applicable for both enterprises and cloud service providers," says NetApp Chief Marketing Officer Jay Kidd. Any IT shop building a highly virtualized, shared infrastructure at a large scale wants to isolate applications from each other to limit security risks and downtime, he said.

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