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Flexpod Demonstration Lab Pilot: Frequently Asked Questions

The FlexPod Demonstration Lab Pilot allows Cisco and NetApp partners to conduct scripted demonstrations of FlexPod solutions in a virtual environment. The goal is to highlight the business benefits of FlexPod for virtual desktop infrastructure deployments such as rapid deployment and scaling of VDI, improved administration and user experience, reduced costs, and enhanced security. The demonstration resources are available to all certified FlexPod partners and provide access to preconfigured virtual pods for demonstrations.

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136 views

Flexpod Demonstration Lab Pilot: Frequently Asked Questions

The FlexPod Demonstration Lab Pilot allows Cisco and NetApp partners to conduct scripted demonstrations of FlexPod solutions in a virtual environment. The goal is to highlight the business benefits of FlexPod for virtual desktop infrastructure deployments such as rapid deployment and scaling of VDI, improved administration and user experience, reduced costs, and enhanced security. The demonstration resources are available to all certified FlexPod partners and provide access to preconfigured virtual pods for demonstrations.

Uploaded by

Kong James
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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FlexPod Demonstration Lab Pilot

Frequently Asked Questions


FAQs
Q. WHAT IS THE FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION LAB PILOT? Q. WHY IS THIS A PILOT PROGRAM? Q. WHO CAN USE THE FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION LAB? Q. WHAT TYPES OF SCRIPTED DEMONSTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE? Q. HOW DO I CREATE MY OWN FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION? Q. WHAT RESOURCES AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES DO I NEED TO CONDUCT A DEMONSTRATION? Q. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I SCHEDULE A DEMO? CAN I DO AN AD HOC DEMO? Q: IS THE FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION LAB AVAILABLE 24X7, 365 DAYS? Q: CAN MORE THAN ONE FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION OCCUR AT THE SAME TIME? IF NOT, HOW IS POTENTIAL CONFLICT HANDLED? Q. WHEN WILL THIS PROGRAM BE AVAILABLE TO ENTITLED PARTNERS? Q. WHO DO I CONTACT FOR HELP IN PREPARING FOR A FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION? Q. WHO DO I CONTACT FOR HELP FOR PROBLEMS DURING A FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION? Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF AN ERROR OCCURS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY PRESENTATION OR IF I MAKE A CATASTROPHIC MISTAKE? Q: IS THERE A COST FOR CONDUCTING A FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATION? Q: ARE THE FLEXPOD DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE IN LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH? Q. HOW DO I PROVIDE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK ABOUT THIS PROGRAM? Q. HOW DO I BUILD MY OWN DEMO INFRASTRUCTURE? 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4

Q. What is the FlexPod Demonstration Lab Pilot?


A: The FlexPod Demonstration Lab is a new resource (currently in pilot phase) that allows Cisco and NetApp Partners to conduct demonstrations that seek to highlight the key value proposition of FlexPod and its business transformation advantages, in the context of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) deployment. This value proposition rests on four critical pillars: Rapid deployment, scaling, and lifecycle management of virtual desktops A uncompromised administration and end user experience Control and reduction of desktop total cost of ownership (TCO) Exceptional control, compliance, and security of diverse endpoint environments Customers can also get a glimpse at the deployment process of the FlexPod solution and an idea of the management tools at their disposal. Again, the goal is to provide clear steps towards achieving customer understanding of why the Cisco/NetApp solution is unique, without resorting to complex and involved explanations.

Cisco and NetApp Confidential

9/23/11

Q. Why is this a pilot program?


A: Due to the innovative and complex administrative nature of this effort, we have decided to launch it in phases. The first phase (pilot) will allow us to refine the program more aggressively. Once we have resolved the issues that might arise during this stage, we will move to the general availability phase with improved processes and documentation.

Q. Who can use the FlexPod Demonstration Lab?


A: The FlexPod demonstration lab is available to all certified Cisco/NetApp partners that are currently entitled to sell the FlexPod solution. The program is open to these partners on a worldwide basis.

Q. What types of scripted demonstrations are available?


A: Two versions of the FlexPod Demo Scripts are offered: A full version, with illustrations, detailed steps and thorough explanations intended for presenters who are not familiar wit the FlexPod value proposition. A fast track version, shortened and summarized with a list of elemental tasks that convey the business benefits of the solution in the quickest possible manner. The scripts are very modular, allowing partners to tailor the demonstrations tasks according to the particulars of a given opportunity. These tasks are grouped by business benefit, and can be carried out independently, or sequentially. Throughout the document, partners will see a multitude of visual cues (color coded text bubbles) with business and technical information snippets, relevant to the value proposition being covered at that moment.

Q. How do I create my own FlexPod demonstration?


A: To access the Demo Labs, follow these steps described on: http://dcv-labs.labgear.net The Demo/Lab Program overview can be found on: http://dcv-labs.labgear.net/ProgramOverview.asp

Q. What resources and technical resources do I need to conduct a demonstration?


A: We have paid great attention to usability and ease-of-use. To access the demonstration labs all you need is a laptop running Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher. The entire demo experience takes place inside the browser session, using Virtual Desktop access against a hosted management station; a simple and elegant process.

Cisco and NetApp Confidential

9/23/11

Q. How far in advance should I schedule a demo? Can I do an ad hoc demo?


A: Due to the fact that the demo resources are finite and limited, it is recommended that you reserve your time slot at least 24 hrs before the actual customer demonstration. Time slots are allotted in 4 hr. blocks, which should give you enough time to access and test the demonstration POD, prior to conducting the live meeting. Access cannot be guaranteed outside of this safe reservation period.

Q: Is the FlexPod Demonstration Lab available 24x7, 365 days?


A: Yes, these resources are available 24x7x365. Sometimes, the demo team will need to carry out maintenance tasks on the infrastructure, but those are not common and wont affect the uptime significantly.

Q: Can more than one FlexPod demonstration occur at the same time? If not, how is potential conflict handled?
A: At this moment, two demonstration PODS are being made available with more to be added in the future depending on the success and penetration of the program. The access is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and it is valid for 4 hours.

Q. When will this program be available to entitled partners?


A: The FlexPod demonstration lab program officially launches on October 4th, 2011. A Design Zone Webinar will be conducted on that date. We will start accepting reservations immediately after the event. For details on how to register for the webcast, please visit: https://ciscosales.webex.com/ciscosales/onstage/g.php?d=200913751&t=a

Q. Who do I contact for help in preparing for a FlexPod demonstration?


A: Details on how to prepare for the demonstration, where to obtain the accompanying collateral and useful multimedia content can be found on the FlexPod Community page at: http://www.cisco.com/go/flexpod

Q. Who do I contact for help for problems during a FlexPod demonstration?


A: For issues while preparing for a demonstration, or while delivering a demonstration, please email the program administrators between 7 am PST and 6 pm PST: [email protected]

Cisco and NetApp Confidential

9/23/11

You can also post your inquiry on the FlexPod Community page, found at: http://www.cisco.com/go/flexpod

Q. What happens if an error occurs in the middle of my presentation or if I make a catastrophic mistake?
A: The demonstration steps are very prescriptive and predictable and the infrastructure is extremely stable, but if a problem were to arise, users can revert the environment back to a good-known starting point by clicking on a reset button located on the left control panel.

Q: Is there a cost for conducting a FlexPod demonstration?


A: No, these resources are free to all Cisco/NetApp partners who sell and deploy the FlexPod solution today.

Q: Are the FlexPod demonstrations available in languages other than English?


A: At this point, all collateral and tools are offered only in English.

Q. How do I provide comments and feedback about this program?


A: For comments, questions and feedback please email the program administrators at: [email protected] You can also post your inquiry on the FlexPod Community page, found at: http://www.cisco.com/go/flexpod

Q. How do I build my own demo infrastructure?


A: We have added an appendix to the long version of the script document on how to build your own FlexPod demo. It details configuration recommendations, best practices and considerations when setting up your own lab, in order to comply with the structure and steps described throughout the documentation.

Cisco and NetApp Confidential

9/23/11

Resources Demo Labs: http://dcv-labs.labgear.net Demo Lab Program overview: http://dcv-labs.labgear.net/ProgramOverview.asp Other UCS Demonstration Resources: communities.cisco.com/docs/DOC-23693 For NetApp and Cisco: http://www.cisconetapp.com/salestools/labs

Cisco and NetApp Confidential

9/23/11

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