Nutanix & Pure Storage partner for scalable virtual workloads

Nutanix and Pure Storage have announced a partnership to deliver an integrated solution for deploying and managing virtual workloads on scalable modern infrastructure.

The collaboration will combine the Nutanix Cloud Platform, enhanced by the Nutanix AHV hypervisor and Nutanix Flow for virtual networking and security, with Pure Storage FlashArray connected via NVMe/TCP. The aim is to deliver a platform that addresses the needs of customers running high-demand and data-intensive workloads, including artificial intelligence applications.

This development comes as many IT executives continue to adjust to changes in the virtualisation market, particularly following the Broadcom acquisition of VMware that resulted in price increases and reduced customer support according to industry observers. C-level executives have expressed a growing need for alternative solutions that offer flexibility and operational effectiveness as they manage transitions in technology and infrastructure strategies.

Nutanix and Pure Storage serve more than 40,000 customers globally. The companies believe the integrated solution will be suitable for customers seeking modernisation options, delivering infrastructure with the combination of virtual compute and all-flash storage systems. Key features promoted include scalability, performance, built-in cyber resilience, and increased customer choice over traditional options.

The new solution will integrate Nutanix's disaster recovery orchestration and micro-segmentation with Pure Storage's SafeMode and data-at-rest encryption, aiming to provide strengthened cyber resilience throughout the stack.

Anthony Jackman, Chief Innovation Officer at Expedient, commented, "We're thrilled to see Nutanix and Pure Storage joining forces. Their collective expertise, innovative technologies, and shared commitment to reliability and performance will deliver a compelling solution that directly addresses critical needs in the market. Expedient is proud to be an early design partner, collaborating closely with both companies to ensure this solution elevates the quality of service we deliver, ultimately enhancing the value and experience for our clients nationwide."

Tarkan Maner, Chief Commercial Officer at Nutanix, said, "This new solution will help Nutanix and Pure reach more customers together and help them better manage and modernise their mission-critical applications. Our integrated solution will be ideally suited for companies with storage-rich environments looking for choices in modernisation."

Maciej Kranz, General Manager, Enterprise at Pure Storage, stated, "With more than 13,500 global customers, I'm hearing more than ever that organisations of all shapes and sizes have a growing need for efficient, flexible, and high-performance solutions that can also scale to support their most critical, data-intensive applications. Nutanix and Pure Storage are both known for pushing the boundaries of traditional infrastructure, driving innovation, and enabling unmatched agility. With this easy-to-manage solution, our joint customers will have the power of a virtual infrastructure that's truly built for change."

The solution will be available for deployment on server hardware from established partners supporting Pure Storage FlashArray. This includes platforms from Cisco, Dell, HPE, Lenovo, and Supermicro, and will be provided for both existing and new infrastructure rollouts.

Cisco and Pure Storage have also agreed to extend their partnership, now with the inclusion of Nutanix in the FlashStack portfolio. This will add Nutanix-powered validated designs to over 60 existing FlashStack reference architectures, expanding options for unified management and full-stack infrastructure delivery.

Jeremy Foster, SVP and General Manager, Cisco Compute, said, "The future of infrastructure is defined by flexibility. That's exactly what this next evolution of FlashStack delivers. With nearly a decade of joint innovation with Pure Storage, and an expanded partnership and co-development roadmap with Nutanix, we're offering a proven platform backed by Cisco validated designs, a world-class joint support model, and deep integration with Cisco Intersight – providing unified visibility across both Pure Storage and Nutanix clusters for a more complete view of the operating environment. This level of integration, insight, and support is what will set FlashStack with Nutanix apart in the market."

According to the companies, the integrated solution is currently under development and is expected to be in early access by mid-2025, with general availability targeted for the end of 2025. It will be distributed through both Nutanix and Pure Storage channel partners for a broad customer base looking for modern virtual infrastructure alternatives.