HPE unveils "VM vending machine" for SMBs

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has unveiled a hyper-converged unit that takes just minutes to deploy virtual machines in the cloud.

HPE intends the all-in-one compute, software-defined storage and virtualisation unit, called Hyper Converged 380, to help mid-sized and remote offices deploy virtual machines (VMs) in the cloud in just five clicks, while it allegedly takes just 15 minutes to add capacity with customisable, repeated templates for the provisioning of those machines.

Built-in analytics and tools also give IT managers clearer information to act on, potentially helping them to reduce virtual machine sprawl and over-provisioning by 90 per cent, according to the manufacturer.

Ric Lewis, senior VP and general manager for converged datacentre infrastructure at HPE, said: “Mid-sized and remote office enterprises face the unique challenge of having to stay competitive at enterprise-scale, but with notably less resources.

"With the Hyper Converged 380, these organisations will have a VM vending machine at their fingertips, enabling them to accomplish tasks at cloud speed.”

Other features of the unit include a single management pane where, HPE claimed, IT managers can update firmware and drivers in three clicks.

The product also includes HPE StoreVirtual VSA software, which has been optimised for virtualised VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V and Linux KVM environments, and converts a server’s internal or direct-attached storage into a scalable, shared storage array.

The Hyper Converged 380 will be available from 31 March, while pricing will be revealed on its release.

HPE's latest unit is part of a new fleet of appliances its has announced, which includes the HPE Synergy.