Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is diving deeper into the virtualization market and rolling out new object storage hardware. At the HPE Discover Barcelona conference, executives announced that they’ll launch HPE VM Essentials, a standalone software based on their Linux kernel-based virtual machine platform. You can expect its availability starting this December.
However, it’s unclear who will really benefit from VM Essentials. Ray Lucchesi, president of Silverton Consulting, suggests that customers frustrated with VMware’s recent licensing and pricing changes may look to alternatives like Nutanix or even open-source options like Proxmox. He points out that, while HPE is offering something new, it’s not as straightforward as VMware’s vSphere. “How many customers will latch onto that?” he asks, emphasizing the challenges of integration.
HPE also introduced the Alletra Storage MP X10000, an object storage server designed to complement their existing offerings in the GreenLake hybrid cloud portfolio. This latest addition supports multiple protocols and relies on GreenLake for management. HPE is prepping to release disconnected GreenLake management solutions, which will allow customers to manage private cloud operations without an internet connection.
Earlier this year, HPE made its virtualization services available through GreenLake but kept it limited to customers already using HPE systems. With VM Essentials, customers gain flexibility; they can deploy it on HPE’s ProLiant and Alletra servers or even on third-party hardware. Hang Tan, HPE’s hybrid cloud COO, shared that customers can use built-in tools to transition to HPE’s platform or manage existing VMs from other vendors. All of this is based on the technology HPE acquired with Morpheus Data earlier this summer.
Notably, HPE has shifted the pricing model for this software, charging per socket instead of per core, which is a big change from VMware’s approach. However, the timing of HPE’s move raises eyebrows. Analyst Marc Staimer noted that while integrating a VM platform into the GreenLake ecosystem is sensible, as a standalone offering, it faces stiff competition from robust alternatives in the market.
HPE’s goal seems to focus on keeping hybrid cloud customers from drifting to larger providers. Sid Nag from Gartner believes that while the standalone option may not attract a wide audience, it could appeal to certain enterprises already leaning toward GreenLake’s private cloud services. This move might also help HPE reduce its reliance on VMware and innovate its own solutions.
As for the hardware side, the HPE Alletra MP X10000 marks the first time object storage support has been added to the Alletra line, which previously encompassed only block and file storage. Jim O’Dorisio, HPE’s senior VP of storage, highlighted that the new server will enhance data protection and enable data lake creation, with partnerships for services already in the pipeline.
Object storage is gaining traction, especially for AI and machine learning development, which is another strategic area HPE wants to tap into. The upcoming HPE Private Cloud Enterprise Disconnected and Alletra Storage MP Disconnected solutions will cater to customers seeking a cloud-like experience while keeping operations off the open internet, slated to launch in early 2025.
For customers in Europe, HPE will also offer the ability to create sovereign private clouds via their Partner Ready Vantage Program, also launching in the first half of 2025.