Capita unveils Vblock-based private cloud platform

Capita IT Services has taken the wraps off a new Vblock-based pay-as-you-go private cloud offering, which is aimed at companies that want to take a hybrid approach to IT.

The IT services provider said Capita Private Cloud, which is hosted in the firm’s data centres, is designed for companies that want to adopt a mix of public and private cloud services.

Capita said it had used its close relationship with the tri-vendor VCE coalition, which counts VMware, Cisco and EMC as members, to develop a private cloud platform based on the three vendors' Vblock technology.

The latter consists of storage from EMC, Cisco’s networking technology and the compute power of VMware’s software to enable businesses to build their own private clouds.

As well as the platform, Capita customers will also have access to 2,000 pre-tested cloud applications via a self-service portal.

Andy Parker, deputy chief executive at Capita, said the platform combines the flexibility offered by public cloud services with the security of the private cloud.

“Clients we work with at Capita, from NHS trusts and local authorities through to retailers and manufacturers, have told us that they want the benefits of cloud but are concerned about security and complexity,” explained Parker.

“Capita Private Cloud takes that uncertainty away by offering a simple, cost-effective solution that customers can have access to within minutes.

“In addition, managing all cloud platforms together in Capita’s UK data centres guarantees data security and sovereignty - a key for many public or highly regulated companies, such as banks and pension providers,” he added.

Praveen Akkiraju, chief executive of VCE, said his firm’s technology makes it easier for firms to take advantage of all cloud has to offer.

“This partnership brings two strong industry leaders together to enable businesses to easily and securely migrate to the cloud, resulting in lower costs and higher business performance,” Akkiraju added.