vBlock

vBlock is a converged infrastructure system developed by VMware and EMC, now part of Dell Technologies. It integrates compute, storage, and networking resources into a single, pre-configured, and pre-tested hardware and software platform. The primary goal of vBlock is to simplify the deployment and management of virtualized environments by providing a standardized building block for data centers.

The architecture of a vBlock typically includes Cisco UCS servers for compute, EMC storage arrays for data storage, and Cisco Nexus switches for networking. VMware's virtualization software, such as VMware vSphere, is the core component that enables the pooling and management of these resources. This tightly integrated approach aims to reduce the complexity and time associated with provisioning and managing infrastructure, allowing IT departments to focus more on application delivery and less on hardware.

vBlock systems are designed for a wide range of enterprise workloads, including virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), databases, and mission-critical applications. They are offered in various configurations to meet different performance and capacity needs. The consolidated nature of vBlock simplifies support, as there is a single point of contact for all components. This platform is a key offering in the converged infrastructure market, emphasizing efficiency and ease of use for modern data centers.