IBM Corp. and Cisco Systems Inc. are updating their joint converged infrastructure solution VersaStack with new Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and hybrid cloud capabilities.

The update should help users to reduce costs associated with keeping their data centers up and running, increase data security in hybrid cloud workloads and streamline troubleshooting, the companies said. IBM and Cisco’s VersaStack is an integrated converged infrastructure solution that helps businesses accelerate data centre infrastructure deployment and efficiently manage information and resources.

The new update sees VersaStack leverage a combination of IBM’s FlashSystem A9000 all-flash arrays and its Spectrum Accelerate software to address the scalability and data reduction requirements of VDI workloads, IBM said. The solution also integrates Cisco’s UCS and networking capabilities with VersaStack, with the result being increased performance, reduced management overheads and potential storage capacity savings.

The Arizona State Land Department, which is responsible for managing data associated with over 9 million acres of land in the state, said it uses VersaStack to extract value from its land data.

“We needed fast, intelligent tools and platforms to derive greater value from this information,” said Bill Reed, chief technology officer of the Arizona State Land Department. “VersaStack with A9000 all-flash storage can enable us to more effectively implement cognitive solutions such as IBM Watson to help transform our mountains of unstructured data into greater insight and better management decision-making. It’s really very simple; if you want a faster, smarter business – get faster, smarter storage.”

In addition to updating VersaStack, IBM said it’s adding new Cisco equipment to its Solution Center based in Montpellier, France, from where it runs client workshops, proofs-of-concept and technical support services.

IBM and Cisco plan to demonstrate the latest VersaStack platform at the CiscoLive event in Las Vegas from June 25-29.

Image: Bob Mical/Flickr