Opportunity for rapid integrated hybrid cloud deployment
Providing cloud services through the partner ecosystem
KT Partners with VMware to Launch Public Cloud Service
On the 13th, VMware held vFORUM 2018, a large-scale cloud and virtualization conference, at COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. At the event, VMware announced portfolio updates to support the multi-cloud strategies of domestic companies.

This announcement includes the update to VMware Cloud Foundation 3.5, an integrated platform that supports the implementation of hybrid cloud, and plans to strengthen the 'VMware Cloud Provider Program (VCPP)' to provide cloud services through the partner ecosystem. In particular, the company plans to launch its domestic VCPP business in earnest through a partnership with KT, a major domestic telecommunications operator.


Provides opportunities for rapid integrated hybrid cloud deployment
VMware Cloud Foundation 3.5 supports ever-increasing workloads and cloud initiatives, and provides enhanced flexibility. This update provides a wider range of infrastructure deployment options, including new support for composable infrastructure platforms such as HPE Synergy Gen10 and Dell EMC PowerEdge MX.

In addition, it integrates with VMware NSX-T to enable automated deployment and lifecycle management of network virtualization software, as well as support for containerized applications and Kubernetes. VMware Cloud Foundation 3.5 provides physical network switch options based on the new extension and integration features provided in VMware Cloud Foundation 3.0.

The key features provided by VMware Cloud Foundation 3.5 are as follows.

First is increased flexibility. VMware Cloud Foundation 3.5 has been certified as a VMware vSAN-enabled node, specifically as a Dell EMC ReadyNode equipped with Dell EMC PowerEdge MX. Dell EMC PowerEdge MX is Dell EMC's Kinetic Infrastructure for software-defined data centers, consisting of custom modules for compute, storage, and networking.

VMware Cloud Foundation, a proven hyper-converged software solution, supports the ecosystem for all VMware vSAN-enabled nodes.
It supports a composable infrastructure platform through tight integration between HPE Synergy for Gen10 and VMware Cloud Foundation. Therefore, through VMware Cloud Foundation, corporate IT managers can meet the requirements of applications running on workload domains and dynamically configure physical resources, thereby improving operational efficiency and automation compared to before.

It also supports various use cases. Integration with version 2.3 of VMware NSX-T, a network virtualization platform that supports multiple hypervisors including containers, simplifies network and security deployments for Kubernetes, enabling support for container and cloud-native application use cases. Furthermore, through integration with NSX-T, support for VMware PKS, an enterprise-grade Kubernetes solution, is possible.

Finally, there is the latest product innovation from VMware. VMware Cloud Foundation 3.5 supports the recently released VMware product family, including vSphere 6.7 Update 1, and includes simpler and more efficient management capabilities at a manageable scale, inherent security for applications, infrastructure, data, and access, and extended support for AI and machine learning workloads.

Integration with VMware NSX-T 2.3 not only supports container environments but also provides streamlined workflows and a new discovery interface that enables administrators to discover objects and events within NSX-T systems and perform actions quickly. It also provides VMware vRealize Automation 7.5, which expands developer use cases through VMware PKS integration for Kubernetes cluster management. VMware vRealize Operations 7.0 supports the adoption of a 'self-driving' approach, enabling customers to monitor and manage data center and cloud environments.


Proposal for a Flexible Cloud Service Model
The 'VMware Cloud Provider Program (VCPP)' is a program that provides cloud-related software as a service through a partner ecosystem established by VMware globally. Cloud service providers participating in the VCPP offer cloud services based on VMware solutions, and customers can select a cloud service provider that offers the services they want according to their business and IT requirements.

Cloud service providers can receive support for VMware solutions and services through VCPP, enabling them to flexibly expand their service portfolios and develop and operate services that meet customer requirements. Currently, over 4,200 partner companies from more than 120 countries around the world are participating in VCPP.

In Korea, KT plans to officially launch 'VMware on KT Cloud,' a VMware-based cloud service for corporate customers, in November of this year.
"Beyond private and public clouds, multi-cloud is establishing itself as a new business competitive edge for enterprises worldwide," said Jeon In-ho, President of VMware Korea. "Without robust digital infrastructure, it is difficult to quickly provide and operate services or applications that meet market requirements."

President Jeon In-ho also stated, “Through our partnership with KT, we will focus on providing more diverse and robust cloud solutions to domestic companies as well as public institutions,” adding, “We plan to support the flexible expansion to the cloud, centering on customers currently using VMware solutions on-premises.”

Kim Sang-gon, a representative from KT who presented the partnership case at vFORUM, stated, “Based on our experience in the domestic IT market’s cloud business, KT is expanding its cloud portfolio by adopting VMware’s solutions,” adding, “Based on our solid partnership with VMware, we are providing multi-cloud services that meet the requirements of domestic corporate customers. He emphasized, "I will focus on this."

Meanwhile, vFORUM, marking its 6th year, is a large-scale cloud and virtualization conference where leaders and industry experts from various related fields gather to review and share the latest trends in cloud and virtualization. Approximately 3,000 IT industry professionals and customers attended vFORUM 2018, joined by a total of 17 sponsors, including Dell EMC, AWS, HPE, IBM, and Hyosung Information.