VersaStack: Integrated Data Center Solution

This document provides a detailed design guide for the VersaStack solution, a converged infrastructure architecture jointly developed by Cisco and IBM. It integrates Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) M5 servers, Cisco Nexus and MDS switches, and IBM storage systems, including SAN Volume Controller (SVC), FlashSystem 900, and Storwize V5030, with VMware vSphere 6.5U1.

The Cisco Validated Design (CVD) program ensures these solutions are designed, tested, and documented to facilitate faster, more reliable, and predictable customer deployments. VersaStack is engineered for high availability, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility to support a wide range of workloads.

Key Components and Features

The VersaStack architecture leverages best practices for compute, network, and storage, offering:

• Compute: Cisco UCS M5 Servers, Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnects, Cisco UCS Chassis.
• Network: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series Switches for Ethernet fabric and Cisco MDS 9396S Fabric Switches for SAN connectivity.
• Storage: IBM SAN Volume Controller (SVC), IBM FlashSystem 900, and IBM Storwize V5030.
• Virtualization: VMware vSphere 6.5U1 and VMware vCenter Server for unified management.

This integrated approach aims to enhance IT agility, efficiency, and manageability while minimizing risks through validated component compatibility.

Document Purpose and Audience

This guide offers insights into the design principles, architecture, and validation of the VersaStack solution. It serves as a resource for planning, designing, and implementing this converged infrastructure.

The intended audience includes sales engineers, field consultants, professional services, IT managers, and partners seeking to implement efficient and innovative data center solutions.

For more information on Cisco solutions, visit Cisco.com. For IBM solutions, visit IBM.com.