Russian IT companies will present the first software and hardware complex (SHC) designed to enable private cloud deployment for various operational scenarios across organizations of all sizes. All components are domestically produced, fully independent from imports, meet all safety standards, and are tested for interoperability.

During the Digitalization of Industrial Russia (DIR) conference taking place from May 21–24, 2024 in Nizhny Novgorod, Astra Group and ICL Techno will present a joint comprehensive solution: a software and hardware complex (SHC) based on Astra Infrastructure Cloud (AIC), a secure platform for building a private cloud assembled by ICL Astra Services, a joint venture between Astra Group and ICL Group.

Russian vendors are collaborating to create convenient integrated systems that facilitate workflow management. This technological integration allows clients to efficiently organize their operations without worrying about product compatibility. For Astra Group, adopting a cloud business model represents a significant next step in growth and development following the initiation of the import substitution program. Clouds are increasingly becoming more accessible, secure, and cost-effective, aiding companies in optimizing expenses and accelerating processes of import substitution and digitalization. The cloud strategy for optimizing IT infrastructure is evolving in three directions: private and public clouds based on proprietary technologies and products, as well as partnerships with current leaders in Russia's cloud services market. Each element of this strategy is infused with core values such as security, reliance on vendor developments and technology, and an advantageous total cost of ownership.

The joint SHC by Astra Group and ICL Techno along with ICL Astra Services is designed for deploying a private cloud environment at client sites and providing infrastructure for virtual machines within a private cloud landscape. The SHC can be used in different scenarios such as hosting basic infrastructure, information systems, information security measures, portals, websites, and serving as an information collection point and monitoring hub.

The AIC SHC lineup includes three versions: basic Starter, advanced PreCloud, and enterprise Cloud. The basic version is unmatched in the Russian market and is intended for use by small organizations or branches. The PreCloud version can be deployed within an individual company or division. The senior Cloud version is tailored for implementation in large holdings and corporations with geographically distributed structures. The SHC versions vary in their levels of automation and scalability. Starter is designed for use with three to ten hosts (three hosts—one SHC), PreCloud accommodates ten to thirty hosts, while Cloud supports more than thirty hosts. For clients hosting more than ten SHC hosts, transitioning from Starter to PreCloud is necessary.

The hardware component of the SHC, based on reliable and proven ICL Techno equipment, consists of five universal physical 2U servers handling loads, a 10Gbit switch for system access and virtual machines connectivity, a 1Gbit switch for complex management and monitoring, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), an inter-network firewall (ITU) for traffic control and filtering to protect data and loads, along with a JBOD data storage shelf. The Starter SHC software includes essential components such as Astra Linux Special Edition operating system for hosts, ALD Pro domain controller and management system, SV Brest PC virtualization platform, RuBackup backup system, Astra Monitoring complex monitoring platform, and DCImanager physical equipment management service.

PreCloud SHC encompasses all previously mentioned software components. Additionally, PreCloud SHC features a unified BILLmanager control and update console, software-defined storage (SDS), and Astra Automation IT infrastructure maintenance automation system.

AIC Cloud SHC utilizes the senior version of BILLmanager control console, unlimited licenses for Astra Linux Server OS, along with a load balancer (LBaaS) and MultiCloud cloud management system. The system will support software-defined networking (SDN). All other components match those found in the AIC PreCloud configuration.

The entire software stack is developed in-house by Astra Group. Technical support regarding any SHC-related issues will be provided by Astra Group specialists through its service companies ICL Astra Services and Astra Consulting. Sales for Starter SHC are set to begin in Q4 2024 while AIC PreCloud SHC will launch in Q1 2025. The release of the Cloud edition is planned for Q3 2025.

At the DIR event, Astra Group's booth will showcase the complete functionality of the SHC, including its hardware components produced by ICL Techno, such as servers approved by the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. Three of them act as the high-performance computing core of the cluster, while the other two and the JBOD shelf constitute a data storage system based on the software-defined storage (SDS) principle.

"We offer the market a ready-to-use, secure platform for building a private cloud, equipped with everything necessary. Astra Infrastructure Cloud complexes deliver to the customer a meticulously selected, tested, and integrated suite of domestic software and hardware components. These solutions are scalable and secure, ideal for deploying private clouds that meet the stringent requirements of even the most demanding clients. The SHC from Astra Group and ICL Techno provides a robust and flexible infrastructure, making it the perfect choice for establishing a private cloud in any organization, from small businesses to large holdings," comments Anton Shmakov, CTO of Astra Group. "On one hand, there is a clear demand for secure cloud solutions; on the other, this new strategic direction will significantly boost both our growth and that of the Russian IT market."

"Over the past few years, the software and hardware complex market has evolved from individual products to widespread integrated solutions. Today, our company focuses on developing, creating, and implementing SHCs," notes Andrey Razin, Deputy Executive Director of ICL Astra Services (part of Astra Group). "In developing the cloud SHC that will be showcased at the forum, we served as a linchpin by integrating market-leading, secure solutions from Astra Group with dependable domestic hardware from ICL Techno. Together, we are introducing a unique product to the market that enables rapid and efficient deployment of cloud solutions for various work processes. The company plans to not only provide cloud solutions but also offer a wide range of SHCs to address various infrastructure challenges in collaboration with Astra Group and ICL Group."