Launching a workload in the cloud—from planning and deployment to operation and security—can be tricky. It requires the collaboration of multiple IT specialists who understand industry standards, best practices, and the tools needed for ongoing operations. The intricate nature of this process can lead to lengthy planning, deployment errors, configuration inefficiencies, and increased operational costs.
Today we announced NetApp® BlueXP™ workload factory, a new service that simplifies this complex process and ensures efficiency and precision when deploying workloads on AWS.
What is BlueXP workload factory?
BlueXP workload factory is a new workload optimization and automation service that helps you implement industry and vendor best practices in the design, setup, launch, and operation of key workloads running on Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP. The end result is faster planning, streamlined deployment, and superior performance—all while cutting operational expenses.
Workload factory answers the needs of IT infrastructure as it is being used today, which requires several aspects of storage operation to be optimized:
- Migrating workloads from on-premises environments requires skilled engineering with a deep understanding of app dependency, controlling costs, rightsizing, and adhering to best practices.
- Building modernized applications requires focusing on desired functional outcomes, incorporating best practices, and continuously considering costs and protection.
- Harnessing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) services requires access to proprietary data and augmenting it with publicly available data sources in a secure and replicable way.
Main capabilities
BlueXP workload factory was designed to address these core IT demands through its main capabilities:
Effortlessly launch workloads on AWS
BlueXP workload factory lets you profile workload requirements, evaluate resources for optimal cost, performance, and robust security, and then utilizing industry best practices for efficient planning, provisioning, and deployment on FSx for ONTAP.
Automate operations
Workload factory generates infrastructure-as-code (IaC) snippets and a comprehensive REST API, ensuring operational efficiency, consistent repeatability, and smooth integration with current orchestration systems.
Continual data protection
Workload factory pairs with additional BlueXP services, built-in ONTAP® features, and native hyperscaler services to ensure enterprise-level continuous protection from user errors, corruption, and disasters with enterprise-grade backup and disaster recovery solutions.
Enhanced access permission
Workload factory provides a comprehensive set of features with minimal AWS access permissions and unlocks more advanced capabilities as permissions are granted.
Multiple personas working in parallel
Workload factory enables multiple personas and roles to operate in parallel, each focusing on their core competence and responsibility, allowing operational effectiveness and collaboration.
Supported workloads
The following workloads are supported in this initial launch version of workload factory.
Microsoft SQL Server database workloads
Streamline your SQL Server database environment by designing efficient implementations, automating deployments, and centralizing operations for enhanced management and performance. Cost calculators, design wizard flows, and visibility dashboards save significant effort, time, and costs in configuring and operating your SQL Server workloads.
VMware workloads
Optimize your VMware environment by conducting a thorough assessment, crafting a tailored design, and executing a need-specific FSx for ONTAP deployment. Workload factory can assess on-premises datasets as well as those using VMware Cloud on AWS.
AI workloads and GenAI
Workload factory helps you deploy generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications and seamlessly link Amazon Bedrock’s core models with your organization’s private data efficiently and securely. Learn more in this blog .
General storage
For home directories, files shares, repos, etc., workload factory can assess your current storage estate, find savings opportunities, generate an optimized deployment plan, and automate the deployment of FSx for ONTAP.
Support for additional workloads is coming, so check back regularly for updates.
Try BlueXP workload factory today
To learn more, visit the BlueXP workload factory homepage, watch the video, or get started now. Remember, this new service is completely free to use, so dive in—have a look and let us know what you think.