HP CloudSystem
| Company type | Product of Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cloud computing, Information technology |
| Predecessor | HP BladeSystem Matrix |
| Founded | January 2011 |
Area served | Global |
| Products | Cloud infrastructure solution integrating servers, storage, networking, and software |
| Owner | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
| Parent | Hewlett Packard Enterprise |
HP CloudSystem represents a cloud infrastructure solution developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that seamlessly integrates servers, storage, networking components, and software.
Currently known as HP Helion CloudSystem, this offering is a significant element within the HPE Helion suite.
History
Introduced in January 2011, HP CloudSystem evolved from prior HP technologies. It builds upon the HP BladeSystem Matrix platform launched in 2009, which unifies HP Systems Insight Manager, the HP BladeSystem c-Class blade chassis, and HP StorageWorks EVA Fibre Channel Storage. This foundation also incorporates Microsoft Active Directory along with virtualization hypervisors provided by Microsoft and VMware. Orchestration capabilities are delivered through HP Insight Orchestration.
Previous iterations combined the HP Matrix Operating Environment—used for managing both physical and virtual servers—with HP Cloud Service Automation Software, which handles the IT service lifecycle. The BladeSystem Matrix supports HP ProLiant x64 blades running Windows and Linux operating systems as well as HP Integrity blades operating on HP-UX.
Cloud migration challenges
Shifting from conventional IT infrastructures to cloud computing introduces multiple complexities. Research conducted at the University of St Andrews identifies risks such as reliance on third-party cloud vendors and elevated resource requirements during migration due to limited internal cloud expertise. Customer support processes may decelerate because issues often require vendor intervention, while IT personnel transition from direct technical roles to overseeing external providers. Consequently, organizations face the challenge of adopting new IT governance models without direct control over software maintenance or hardware servicing.
Additional obstacles include security vulnerabilities inherent in multi-tenant public cloud environments, where weaknesses in one tenant’s applications may affect others sharing the infrastructure. Effective vendor management demands ensuring that cloud providers comply with Service-level agreements and integrating cloud services with existing systems, often necessitating creation of virtual machine templates that define infrastructure, application stacks, and security parameters.
Dan Kusnetzky from the 451 Group points out that internal resistance within IT departments can hinder cloud adoption efforts. To mitigate this, HP provides Cloud Discovery Workshops and Cloud Roadmap Services aimed at educating organizations about cultural shifts and assisting in formulating comprehensive cloud adoption plans.
Cloud Service Automation Software
Included within CloudSystem is HP Cloud Service Automation Software, a comprehensive suite designed to automate IT service lifecycles. Originating from HP’s 2007 acquisition of Opsware, CSA oversees workflows, configuration management, provisioning, administration, and monitoring of cloud operations. Industry analyst Lauren Nelson from Forrester Research has observed that CSA facilitates building clouds comparable to those offered by Amazon Web Services or Rackspace Cloud through coordinated server pools.
CloudSystem Matrix
According to industry analyst Illuminata, CloudSystem Matrix functions as an integrated platform that aggregates modular resources to enable flexible deployment of IT services. It is tailored for private cloud environments and accelerates the delivery of complex applications alongside IT infrastructure.
Released in November 2011, CloudSystem Matrix 7.0 merges servers, networking, storage, and software components while providing features such as cloud bursting and automated self-service provisioning. Analyst Judith Hurwitz emphasizes Matrix as a cornerstone of HP’s cloud strategy, combining virtualized and physical server blades managed through a unified console compatible with VMware, KVM, and Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisors.
At its core lies the Matrix Operating Environment (Matrix OE), responsible for provisioning, monitoring, and network management across physical and virtual assets. It supports dynamic infrastructure lifecycle management aligned with evolving business requirements.
CloudSystem Matrix also features HP Cloud Maps—predefined templates containing workflows and deployment scripts designed to construct cloud infrastructures for delivering applications and services. These templates accommodate application stacks incorporating third-party solutions from vendors such as Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle, facilitating rapid creation of cloud service catalogs. HP states that Cloud Maps can reduce provisioning durations by up to 80% and cut compliance management efforts by as much as 75%.
HP CloudStart
HP CloudStart assists businesses in designing, constructing, and deploying private cloud environments utilizing CloudSystem Matrix. This solution includes Cloud Service Automation, a product for virtual infrastructure provisioning that features a self-service portal along with capabilities for resource tracking and chargeback management. Additionally, the service provides evaluations of IT infrastructure and strategic advice for cloud adoption. HP handles cloud configuration, service migration, and offers training, typically completing private cloud deployment within 30 days from project initiation.
Cloud orchestration
Cloud orchestration manages the coordination of distributed cloud applications and services across various servers or data centers. Integrated within CloudSystem, it oversees system integration, support functions, billing processes, provisioning, SLA administration, and contract management. This capability is powered by Opsware Workflow, a centralized interface used for provisioning tasks and server patch maintenance.
CloudSystem Enterprise
CloudSystem Enterprise delivers a consolidated platform for building and administering private clouds on dedicated servers as well as hybrid clouds spanning both private and public infrastructures. It provides lifecycle management tools to control the deployment and decommissioning of applications and infrastructure components.
HP CloudSystem Service Provider
CloudSystem Service Provider equips service providers to offer public and virtual hosted private cloud solutions supporting IaaS, PaaS, or SaaS delivery models. It facilitates cloud service deployment over carrier-grade networks and IT infrastructures while automating the provisioning and management processes of these services.
Cloud bursting
In November 2011, HP launched a cloud bursting functionality within CloudSystem that allows the platform to tap into additional capacity from external private or public clouds during periods of increased demand.
Furthermore, CloudSystem incorporates HP TippingPoint technology for intrusion detection, network security measures, and traffic regulation. It utilizes CloudMaps templates tailored for typical enterprise application stacks, with compliance monitoring handled through HP ArcSight.
Third-party support
CloudSystem is supported by a partner program designed to help cloud service providers establish Cloud Centers of Excellence—demonstration sites highlighting HP CloudSystem alongside HP Converged Systems platforms. These centers integrate HP Networking equipment, HP TippingPoint security solutions, and HP 3PAR storage products.
Authorized HP partners conduct sessions such as the HP Cloud Discovery Workshops aimed at educating organizations on adopting cloud computing technologies and implementing best practices.