Nutanix beefs up automation tools for its converged infrastructure platform

Special feature

How to Automate the Enterprise

One of today's biggest opportunities for IT to make an impact is by automating business processes, manufacturing, repetitive tasks, and more. We delve into examples and best practices.

Read More

Converged infrastructure vendor Nutanix is adding more datacenter automation to its platform and expanding to include network visualization, security, and orchestration.

At its .NEXT Europe conference in Vienna, the company said it is taking its one-click approach to so-called micro segmentation, security, and network orchestration. Nutanix also expanded its application programming interface (API) roster.

Also: Nutanix buys PernixData, Calm.io in a move to bolster its cloud ambitions TechRepublic: 10 steps to DevOps success in the enterprise

With the move, Nutanix is looking to extend its cloud platform to hybrid cloud, Internet of Things, and mobile-first deployments.

Among the key additions:

• Network visualization and triage. Nutanix is adding a unified view of infrastructure including performance and service level agreements. Nutanix Prism software will deliver one view into server, virtualization, and storage resources. Prism will drill down into individual virtual machines and network topology.
• Built-in micro segmentation. Nutanix Acropolis Micro segmentation Services will inspect, monitor and govern communication flows between applications. The general idea is that Nutanix micro segmentation can cut off emerging security threats.
• Orchestration for network services. Nutanix Acropolis is adding APIs for policy updates to switches, application delivery controllers, and firewalls. Nutanix has a bevy of switch and security partners.

Nutanix said the initial set of APIs and network visualization will be available in January. Other tools are under development.

Jay Leek, Blackstone CISO, on security automation Jay Leek, chief information security officer at Blackstone, says the private equity giant has automated much of its security operations as well as initial investigations. The move has enabled his human security analysts to be more productive and focus on more high-value work.