HPE tells Nutanix 'we're not partners' in software scuffle

HPE has made clear to customers that it is not partners with Nutanix, after the latter opened up its Enterprise Cloud Platform software to allow users to install it on HPE ProLiant and Cisco UCS B-series servers.

Nutanix made the announcement late last week, signalling a move away from its traditional all-in-one approach.

However, it appears HPE didn't get the memo, as the tech giant fired off a retaliatory blog post on Friday arguing against using Nutanix software in favour of a purpose-built HPE platform.

In the post, titled "Don't be misled... HPE and Nutanix are not partners", the clearly irritated company told customers "considering running hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) on an HPE server, you should consider the HPE HCI offerings".

HPE's VP of marketing, Paul Miller, said: "Landing Nutanix software on HPE hardware without any type of OEM or support agreement is going to cause real issues in the real world - in the absence of a real support agreement."

Nutanix has previously only made its software available as part of a hardware all-in-one package, Nutanix said it will make it compatible with rivals' servers so customers can choose its own offering over those from competitors like HPE and Cisco.

However, HPE's Miller argued that in the case of an outage, HPE is able to provide immediate assistance so long as you're running its own software, but for those customers taking on third-party offerings, it is unable to provide the same levels of service.

Although HPE has said it is not entirely surprised by the idea that a company would want to run its software on HPE ProLiant, it appears Nutanix has jumped the gun a little by forgetting to inform the hardware provider of its intentions.

Given HPE's recent acquisition of hyperconvergence specialist SimpliVity for $650 million, a direct competitor to Nutanix, it makes sense that HPE would want to stop customers from turning to a competitor.

Clive Longbottom, founder of analyst firm Quocirca, told IT Pro that this is evidence that Nutanix is seeking to get in front of customers considering moving to SimpliVity.

"For HPE, it is a necessary rear guard action," said Longbottom. "Now the channel has a separate option, which for those who are not 100% HPE is nice, as they can pitch a more heterogeneous approach with HPE being part of it and Nutanix being the glue between the different platforms."

IT Pro has approached Nutanix for comment, but did not receive a reply in time for publication.

Nutanix has said its Enterprise Cloud Platform software will be available for HPE's portfolio by the end of the year.