What is our primary use case?
We deployed HyperFlex for our website services, as well as we put our F5 on it. Basically, we use it for some applications, some better features.
What is most valuable?
The main value is it brings the total solution, so you don't need to worry about storage and also networking. It brings to you an all-in-one option. The good side is you don't need to worry about it.
Support is very responsive.
What needs improvement?
If you need to expand, scalability is an issue. Overall, you can just call Cisco and then they will help you to fix everything.
The storage could be better. If you want to expand the storage, sometimes you need to expand the memory at the same time. This could be cumbersome or pricey.
The initial setup can be complex.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution since 2019.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
In terms of stability, during the setup, there are a lot of issues, however, it's not really related to HyperFlex. It might be hardware issues. However, once fixed, you don't need to do any maintenance except upgrades. Once it's fixed, it is very smooth.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability could be better. It doesn't have a big impact.
We have our customers using the solution. We have about one million customers.
How are customer service and support?
Support has been good.
Every time we raise a case to Cisco, whenever there's an upgrade, if there are some tricks or some stuff that we do not understand, then they will probably come and help us fix the issue.
How would you rate customer service and support?
How was the initial setup?
It's a little bit difficult to set up the solution. It's not exactly straightforward.
We've maintained it by ourselves. That said, for sure, if we need a support, then we would ask Cisco to help. In terms of maintenance, we have an external backup solution, so the backup is not quite related. For upgrades and updates, it's not quite frequent and it's not very complicated.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I do not handle any aspects of licensing.
I don't have a solid figure. For the production part, I pass it to our operation team to continue the license purchase. However, for the lab, I maintain it. For the lab, I spent around $70,000 to $100,000 CAD per year for licensing and maintaining it.
What other advice do I have?
I'm a customer.
If the system is going to be a scalable product or scalable application, I would not recommend it to others. However, if it's more scalable deployment, then HyperFlex is a good solution. If it's a large-scale deployment, it is better to go for another option that can separate the storage, et cetera.
For our environment, I'd rate it an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.