Hitachi Vantara, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., specialising in data storage and hybrid cloud management, announced a collaboration with Virtana, a leader in AI-powered monitoring for hybrid IT infrastructures. The partnership integrates Virtana’s platform into Hitachi’s EverFlex infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) portfolio, introducing AI-driven automation and improved observability to optimise hybrid cloud operations.
Modern enterprises adopting hybrid cloud architectures face increasing complexity in managing IT environments. These challenges often lead to rising costs and operational inefficiencies. A report by Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) highlights that 45% of organisations are adopting IT automation and AIOps to meet demands for accelerated operations. By combining Virtana’s AI insights with EverFlex’s IaaS capabilities, Hitachi Vantara aims to streamline hybrid cloud operations, reduce costs, and enhance cloud efficiency and agility.
Advanced features and benefits of EverFlex and Virtana
The updated Hitachi EverFlex IaaS portfolio offers a comprehensive suite of scalable hybrid cloud solutions tailored to the needs of modern enterprises. A standout feature is EverFlex Control, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) integration portal that provides real-time data visibility and automation capabilities. When paired with the Virtana platform, businesses gain a unified view of their hybrid infrastructures, allowing for adaptive scaling, resource optimisation, and enhanced cost management.
Jeb Horton, Senior Vice President of Global Services at Hitachi Vantara, stated, “The Virtana Platform is a perfect complement to our EverFlex Control offering. Their intelligent capabilities and deep infrastructure expertise provide the insights required to enhance and automate IT infrastructure, delivering exceptional value to our clients and partners.”
Key benefits of the collaboration include:
- IT efficiency and cost optimisation: AI-driven insights help identify inefficiencies, reduce operational costs, and maximise ROI.
- Enhanced observability: Extensive coverage of diverse infrastructure types meets a wide range of market needs.
- Accelerated digital initiatives: Simplified management streamlines application and service launches.
- Improved operational efficiency: Automating routine tasks allows IT teams to focus on strategic goals.
- Increased agility and scalability: Businesses can adapt quickly to changing demands while maintaining performance.
Virtana’s CEO, Paul Appleby, commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Hitachi Vantara, a company that shares our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that help customers achieve their business objectives. This partnership delivers a compelling solution with the expertise to optimise hybrid cloud environments and accelerate digital transformation journeys.”
AI’s role in hybrid cloud infrastructure
AI is playing an increasingly critical role in managing hybrid cloud systems. According to Scott Sinclair, Practice Director for Cloud, Infrastructure and DevOps at ESG, “AI is changing the game for how companies manage their hybrid cloud infrastructures. As organisations face increasing complexity in optimising, migrating, and monitoring application workloads across various cloud environments, leveraging AI-powered insights becomes essential.”
The integration of AI capabilities into Hitachi’s EverFlex portfolio represents a significant milestone. Earlier this year, Hitachi Vantara introduced advanced IaaS solutions designed to enhance IT operations with AI-driven automation. The company has also partnered with Cisco to expand EverFlex’s capabilities further, incorporating advanced networking and computing solutions to ensure seamless integration and optimisation for hybrid cloud environments.
This collaboration with Virtana underscores Hitachi Vantara’s commitment to helping enterprises navigate the complexities of hybrid cloud environments while reducing costs and improving efficiency.