VMware Cloud Foundation on VxRail can be delivered as either a cluster of nodes (platform) that leverages the customer’s existing network infrastructure, or an integrated rack system with optionally included networking as shown in Figure 18.

These delivery packaging options can be used for all different customer use cases such as VxRail with vSAN HCI, VMware Cloud Foundation on VxRail, or VxRail edge use cases.

Figure 18.    VxRail delivery options

VxRail integrated rack delivery services options

Custom rack design configuration and integration services for VxRail integrated deployments are available for all customers looking to adopt any of the VxRail solution use cases and who need flexibility in rack design configurations to meet their needs. These services support customers using Dell or third-party networking hardware vendor equipment, or no networking at all. These services also support customers using Dell or third-party-supplied rack hardware.

Flexible Dell Technologies 2nd Touch Facility factory services give customers options on the rack and networking components they would like used. Customers can purchase from Dell Technologies, a rack from our Dell Technologies partner, APC, or supply their own consigned third-party rack. Customers also have a choice of network switches. Customers can purchase Dell PowerSwitch with OS10 EE switches from Dell Technologies or supply their own third-party switches. Any third-party consigned items supplied by the customer must be purchased separately by the customer outside of Dell Technologies. Support for those components would be provided by the component vendor. Depending on which components are used for the system, customers can choose the specific support experiences for their infrastructure.

Figure 19.    VxRail integrated rack delivery options

Customers who choose the VxRail nodes deployment option maintain the responsibility for defining the networking and rack configuration as well as performing the work of physically racking and cabling the nodes and non-Dell, third-party product. In this option, VxRail nodes are shipped directly to the customer who will perform further rack integration work in their own data center. 

A custom VxRail rack integration service option is available for customers who want a factory-integrated rack configuration delivery engagement in which they can define the networking and rack components in addition to VxRail node hardware and rack design configuration. This includes the use of third-party products performed in a Dell Technologies 2nd Touch Facility before shipping it to the customer.

Note: For third-party components, the customer will be responsible for procuring and sending the products to a Dell Technologies 2nd Touch Facility for racking. This option supports all the available VxRail solution use cases. 

Customers who want specific turnkey VxRail cloud solution outcomes and who value fast delivery, within 14 days, can purchase one of the cloud solution offerings available within the APEX Cloud Services portfolio. These solutions are turnkey and are designed and packaged to provide the fastest time to value. They are delivered with prevalidated configurations and delivered in a rack whose rack components, VxRail node configurations, and rack configuration design are predefined by Dell Technologies to optimize delivery speed. For these solution offerings, customers have a choice of different pre-defined VxRail node hardware configurations that will be pre-racked as part of solution delivery. Available offerings include VMware Cloud Foundation on VxRail and VMC on Dell.