Cisco and NetApp extended their FlexPod range with entry level models aimed at the small and mid sized markets.

This new FlexPod series is built on a flexible, scalable, shared infrastructure that combines computing, networking and storage solutions from Cisco and NetApp. Additionally, to simplify and accelerate implementation of cloud automation capabilities, Cisco and NetApp have also validated several new management solutions from leading software management vendors for all FlexPod design architectures.

The companies said they were offering price and scale that’s sized for business application workloads with 500 to 1000 users, the entry-level FlexPod solution allows customers to invest only in the infrastructure they require and allow for simple and rapid scaling to meet growing demands as their business needs change.

Customers gain investment protection with the new entry-level FlexPod solution, which easily scales to larger enterprises by simply adding incremental capacity as their needs grow for larger application workloads.

The entry-level FlexPod combines NetApp entry-level FAS2240 and the Cisco UCS C-Series Cisco Nexus 5000 Switches, Cisco Nexus 2232 Fabric Extender, and Cisco UCS 6200 Series Fabric Interconnects.  

Cisco and NetApp first announced FlexPod in November 2010 and said 850 customers it for their data center infrastructure. 

The extended management options include products from CA Technologies, Cloupia, and Gale Technologies.  

Omer Mushahwar, senior associate at Torti Gallas and Partners, Inc, said: "As a global architecture, planning and urban design firm, our IT infrastructure is a vital foundation in enabling us to create the innovative residential, commercial, and institutional structures our clients rely on us for. When we began looking for a solution to replace a large part of our existing server infrastructure, we sought three things: storage, speed, and virtualization. FlexPod has freed us not only from aging equipment but a 100% physical environment, which has allowed our infrastructure to take a huge leap forward. Our FlexPod solution has helped us to prevent the loss of $45,000 per day during power outages, streamline IT management, improve service levels, position the company for growth, and empowers us to serve our clients and generate revenue without skipping a beat."

Satinder Sethi, vice president, data center solutions, Data Center Group, Cisco, said: “With NetApp, Cisco is working to increase opportunities for partners to provide customers with the scalability, flexibility, and manageability of Cisco UCS with NetApp storage to achieve maximum return on investment.”

Chris Cummings, vice president, Products and Solutions Marketing, NetApp said: "Cisco and NetApp have evolved the FlexPod architecture to address growing demand and deliver greater value to an expanded range of customers.”