Gartner Research

Cisco Unified Computing Systems (UCS)

Published: 29 March 2012

ID: G00226252

Analyst(s): Nik Simpson

Summary

Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) was introduced in March 2009 as the first blade system designed from the ground up to support server virtualization through improved integration between server, storage, networking and virtualization software components. The high level of integration with virtualization platforms and excellent management features make a powerful combination for server virtualization and internal cloud projects. However, Cisco UCS is not perfect; as a result, IT organizations must understand the strengths and weaknesses of UCS with respect to their own requirements. This profile evaluates Cisco UCS against Gartner's blade vendor selection criteria.

Table Of Contents

Bottom-Line Assessment

  • New and Key Features
  • Missing Features
    • Required
    • Preferred
    • Optional
  • Reasons to Deploy
  • Reasons Not to Deploy

Analysis

  • General Overview of the Cisco UCS Platform
    • Cisco UCS 5100 Blade Chassis
    • Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect
    • Cisco Blade and Rack-Mount Servers
    • Cisco UCS Manager
  • Impact of the UCS Design on the Criteria
  • Required Features
  • Preferred Features
  • Optional Features
  • Evaluation Criteria Scorecard
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses

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