Cloud News: RightScale, Violin Memory, Cisco, AIS

Here’s a roundup of some of this week’s headlines from the cloud computing sector:

RightScale launches new cloud management features. RightScale unveiled a suite of features for the RightScale cloud management platform that provide users with new enterprise-grade controls for security, management and governance. Expanded security features allow enterprises to provide single-sign-on to the RightScale platform by leveraging their existing directory services or identity management solutions, including Active Directory. RightScale has also partnered with Ping Identity to provide out-of-the-box identity federation. RightScale now includes a new Enterprise Reporting capability that allows customized reporting on usage and costs across multiple clouds, accounts, business units, applications and functions. "Whether enterprises are leveraging public, private or hybrid clouds, they need a cloud management platform that provides them with seamless management and control over cloud security, governance and costs," said Thorsten von Eicken, chief technical officer at RightScale. "Our new enterprise features provide the critical cloud management capabilities organizations need today, and will also grow with them as they continue to expand their use of cloud infrastructure."

AIS rolls out cloud service in Phoenix. AIS (American Internet Services) announced availability of its flagship AIS BusinessCloud1 cloud service in Phoenix, Arizona. Unveiled in June 2012 the AIS BusinessCloud1 is a VMware-based cloud service built with state-of-the-art compute, network, and storage technologies. The enterprise-grade cloud service is designed with Arista Networks 10GbE switches, NetApp FAS3240 controllers, and Dell R600-series servers. It is available in both Phoenix and San Diego. “As more of our clients have expressed a desire for geographic diversity, AIS has been investing in and expanding our presence in Arizona,” said Tim Caulfield, chief executive officer at AIS. “Plus, we know there are many businesses in Phoenix that want a VMware-based cloud service without being forced into a one-size-fits-all box. With AIS, we’ll provide them with a tailored solution backed with Nordstrom-like service we know they’ll value.”

Violin helps Cisco break Cloud benchmark.  Violin Memory announced that it served as the storage platform that helped to enable the new world record 8-node VMmark 2.1 score of 42.79@36 tiles. The record was accomplished using Cisco UCS Blade Servers and Violin 6000 Series Flash Memory Arrays.  “Cloud computing is a key driver for the acceleration of solid-state adoption in data centers,” said Joseph Unsworth, research vice president at Gartner. “Companies that can deliver high-performance and reliable solutions at aggressive price-points are best positioned to exploit this opportunity.” Violin also recently announced that it has been selected to provide NATS, a provider of air navigation services and solutions in the UK, with all flash Memory Arrays for its forthcoming 6,000 seat virtualised desktop infrastructure (VDI) rollout.