Lenovo ThinkAgile HX5530, HX5531, HX7530 and HX7531 2U Appliances & Certified Nodes (Intel Xeon SP Gen 3)

The Lenovo ThinkAgile HX 2U Appliances & Certified Nodes are 2-socket 1U systems that feature the 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors and are designed for deploying industry-leading hyperconvergence software from Nutanix on Lenovo enterprise platforms. Nutanix brings the benefits of web-scale technologies to enterprise applications through enterprise storage, data protection, infrastructure resilience, management and analytics, and security.

The 2U systems are available either as an Appliance (HXnnn0) or Certified Node (HXnnn1):

• HX5530 and HX5531 for storage-heavy workloads
• HX7530 and HX7531 for high performance workloads

HX Appliances deliver fully validated and integrated Lenovo hardware and firmware, certified and preloaded with licensed Nutanix software. They also include ThinkAgile Premier support with one single point of contact for support of the hardware and software.

HX Certified Nodes deliver fully validated Lenovo hardware and firmware, certified and can be preloaded with Nutanix software. Certified Nodes do not include licenses to Nutanix software and enhanced software support.

Figure 1. Lenovo ThinkAgile HX 2U Appliances & Certified Nodes with 2.5-inch drive bays

Combining performance and flexibility, the HX 2U systems are a great choice for enterprises of all sizes. The systems offer a broad selection of processors, memory and drives, and offers high performance features that industries such as finance, healthcare and telco need. Outstanding reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) and high-efficiency design can improve your business environment and can help save operational costs.

Appliance features

The HX Series Appliances (HX5530 and HX7530) offer the following key features:

• Factory-integrated, pre-configured ready-to-go appliances built on proven and reliable Lenovo ThinkSystem servers that provide compute power for a variety of workloads and applications and powered by industry’s most feature-rich hyperconverged infrastructure software from Nutanix.
• Provide quick and convenient path to implement a hyperconverged solution powered by Nutanix with "one stop shop" and a single point of contact provided by Lenovo for purchasing, deploying, and supporting the solution.
• Meet various workload demands with cost-efficient hybrid or performance-optimized all-flash storage configurations.
• Deliver fully validated and integrated hardware and firmware that is certified with Nutanix software.
• Include Lenovo ThinkAgile Premier Single Point of Support for quick 24/7 problem reporting and resolution.
• Offer Lenovo deployment services to get customers up and running quickly.

Certified Node features

The HX Certified Nodes (HX5531 and HX7531) offer the following key features:

• Built on proven and reliable Lenovo ThinkSystem servers that provide compute power for a variety of workloads and applications.
• Deliver fully validated and integrated hardware and firmware that is certified with Nutanix software.
• Preloaded with Nutanix software and ready for out-of-box deployment (Note: software licenses are not included).
• Provide flexibility in using the existing Nutanix term-based software licenses and active support contracts or purchasing new software licenses and support contracts from Nutanix.
• Offer optional Lenovo Professional Services to get customers up and running quickly

The Nutanix software running on the HX 2U systems delivers the following key features:

• A natively integrated solution for data protection and continuous availability at VM granularity that gives administrators an affordable range of options to meet the recovery point objectives (RPO) and recovery time objectives (RTO) for different applications.
• A fault resistant platform, with no single point of failure and no bottlenecks with shared-nothing architecture, where all data, metadata and services are distributed to all nodes within the cluster, that is built to detect, isolate and recover from failures anywhere in the system.
• An intuitive user-centric management experience to simplify every aspect of the IT infrastructure lifecycle and provide a single pane of glass to monitor and control Nutanix clusters, with simplified workflows and rich automation for common administrative tasks.
• Powerful security features, such as two-factor authentication and data-at-rest encryption, with a security development lifecycle that is integrated into product development to help customers meet the most stringent security requirements.

Hardware features

The HX systems are based on the SR650 V2 and have the following hardware features:

Scalability and performance

The HX 2U systems offer numerous features to boost performance, improve scalability and reduce costs: 

• Supports one or two third-generation Intel Xeon Processor Scalable processors
  • Up to 40 cores and 80 threads
  • Core speeds of up to 3.6 GHz
  • TDP ratings of up to 270W
• Support for up to 32 TruDDR4 memory DIMMs operating at up to 3200 MHz means you have the fastest available memory subsystem.
• Supports configurations of 2 DIMMs per channel to operate at the 3200 MHz rated speed of the memory DIMMs.
• Using 128GB 3DS RDIMMs, the server supports up to 4TB of system memory.
• Supports single-width GPUs or double-wide GPUs, for substantial processing power in a 2U system.
• Configurations with 2.5-inch drives support up to 24x hot-swap drives, all front accessible
• Configurations with 3.5-inch drives support up to 12x 3.5-inch hot-swap front-accessible drives plus 4x 2.5-inch hot-swap rear-accessible drives
• The HX7530 and HX7531 support 8x NVMe drives without oversubscription of PCIe lanes (1:1 connectivity). The use of NVMe drives maximizes drive I/O performance, in terms of throughput and latency.
• Supports up to two externally accessible 7mm hot-swap drives with RAID functionality for operating system boot functions.
• Supports M.2 drives for convenient operating system boot functions. Available M.2 adapters support either one M.2 drive or two M.2 drives in a RAID 1 configuration for performance and reliability.
• The server has a dedicated industry-standard OCP 3.0 small form factor (SFF) slot, with a PCIe 4.0 x16 interface, supporting a variety of Ethernet network adapters. A simple-swap mechanism with a thumbscrew and pull-tab enables tool-less installation and removal of the adapter. The adapter supports shared BMC network sideband connectivity to enable out-of-band systems management.
• The server offers PCI Express 4.0 I/O expansion capabilities that doubles the theoretical maximum bandwidth of PCIe 3.0 (16GT/s in each direction for PCIe 4.0, compared to 8 GT/s with PCIe 3.0). A PCIe 4.0 x16 slot provides 64 GB/s bandwidth, enough to support a 200GbE network connection.
• The server offers up to eight PCIe 4.0 slots, all with rear access, plus a slot dedicated to the OCP adapter.

Availability and serviceability

The HX 2U systems provide many features to simplify serviceability and increase system uptime:

• The server offers Single Device Data Correction (SDDC, also known as Chipkill), Adaptive Double-Device Data Correction (ADDDC, also known as Redundant Bit Steering or RBS), and memory mirroring for redundancy in the event of a non-correctable memory failure.
• Available M.2 RAID Boot Adapters support RAID-1 which can enable two SATA or two NVMe M.2 drives to be configured as a redundant pair.
• The server has up to two hot-swap redundant power supplies and up to six hot-swap redundant fans to provide availability for business-critical applications.
• The light path diagnostics feature uses LEDs to lead the technician to failed (or failing) components, which simplifies servicing, speeds up problem resolution, and helps improve system availability.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) offer more reliability and performance than traditional mechanical HDDs for greater uptime.
• Proactive Platform Alerts (including PFA and SMART alerts): Processors, voltage regulators, memory, internal storage (SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs, NVMe SSDs, M.2 storage, flash storage adapters), fans, power supplies, server ambient and subcomponent temperatures. Alerts can be surfaced through the XClarity Controller to managers such as Lenovo XClarity Administrator, VMware vCenter, and Microsoft System Center. These proactive alerts let you take appropriate actions in advance of possible failure, thereby increasing server uptime and application availability.
• The built-in XClarity Controller continuously monitors system parameters, triggers alerts, and performs recovery actions in case of failures to minimize downtime.
• Built-in diagnostics in UEFI, using Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, speed up troubleshooting tasks to reduce service time.
• Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager supports diagnostics and can save service data to a USB key drive or remote CIFS share folder for troubleshooting and reduce service time.
• Auto restart in the event of a momentary loss of AC power (based on power policy setting in the XClarity Controller service processor)
• Offers a diagnostics port on the front of the server to allow you to attach an external diagnostics handset for enhanced systems management capabilities.
• Support for the XClarity Administrator Mobile app running on a supported smartphone or tablet and connected to the server through the service-enabled USB port, enables additional local systems management functions.
• Three-year or one-year customer-replaceable unit and onsite limited warranty (varies by geography), 9 x 5 next business day. Optional service upgrades are available.

Manageability and security

Systems management features simplify local and remote management of the HX 2U systems:

• The server includes an XClarity Controller (XCC) to monitor server availability. Optional upgrade to XCC Advanced to provide remote control (keyboard video mouse) functions. Optional upgrade to XCC Enterprise enables the additional support for the mounting of remote media files (ISO and IMG image files), boot capture, and power capping.
• Lenovo XClarity Administrator offers comprehensive hardware management tools that help to increase uptime, reduce costs and improve productivity through advanced server management capabilities.
• UEFI-based Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager, accessible from F1 during boot, provides system inventory information, graphical UEFI Setup, platform update function, operating system installation function, and diagnostic functions.
• Support for Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager, which captures real-time power and temperature data from the server and provides automated controls to lower energy costs.
• An integrated industry-standard Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) enables improved setup, configuration, and updates, and simplifies error handling.
• Support for industry standard management protocols, IPMI 2.0, SNMP 3.0, Redfish REST API, serial console via IPMI
• An integrated hardware Trusted Platform Module (TPM) supporting TPM 2.0 enables advanced cryptographic functionality, such as digital signatures and remote attestation.
• Administrator and power-on passwords help protect from unauthorized access to the server.
• Supports Secure Boot to ensure only a digitally signed operating system can be used. Supported with HDDs and SSDs, as well as 7mm and M.2 drives.
• Industry-standard Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) NI support for faster, stronger encryption.
• Intel Execute Disable Bit functionality can prevent certain classes of malicious buffer overflow attacks when combined with a supported operating system.
• Intel Trusted Execution Technology provides enhanced security through hardware-based resistance to malicious software attacks, allowing an application to run in its own isolated space, protected from all other software running on a system.
• Additional physical security features are an available chassis intrusion switch and available lockable front bezel.

Energy efficiency

The HX 2U systems offer the following energy-efficiency features to save energy, reduce operational costs, and increase energy availability:

• Energy-efficient system board components help lower operational costs.
• High-efficiency power supplies with 80 PLUS Platinum and Titanium certifications
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) consume as much as 80% less power than traditional spinning 2.5-inch HDDs.
• The server uses hexagonal ventilation holes, which can be grouped more densely than round holes, providing more efficient airflow through the system and thus keeping your system cooler.
• Optional Lenovo XClarity Energy Manager provides advanced data center power notification, analysis, and policy-based management to help achieve lower heat output and reduced cooling needs.

The ThinkAgile HX 2U Appliances & Certified Nodes are based on the ThinkSystem SR650 V2 server.

The following table provides an overview comparison between the HX systems.

The following table lists the standard specifications.

Factory-integrated models of the integrated systems and certified nodes are configured by using the Lenovo Data Center Solution Configurator (DCSC), http://dcsc.lenovo.com

During the configuration process, you are selecting one of the base Configure-to-Order (CTO) models first, and then you are adding components (processors, memory, drives, and network adapters) to the selected model according to the output from the Nutanix Sizer tool, http://services.nutanix.com/

To ensure that the controlled GPUs and accelerators are only sold in the supported markets, the following configure-to-order base machine-type models (CTO MTMs) are selectable in DCSC:

• Standard Open models are available in all markets worldwide. Controlled GPUs cannot be configured using these models. These are CTO1WW models.
• GPU Controlled models are used to order any of the controlled GPUs and accelerators. Controlled models are not available in affected markets. If you start from a controlled model, your configuration must include a controlled GPUs.

The following table lists the base CTO models.

The ThinkAgile HX 2U Appliances & Certified Nodes are based on the ThinkSystem SR650 V2 server, however there are key differences:

• No persistent memory support
• No onboard SATA controller support
• No RAID adapter support
• No VROC RAID support
• No mid-chassis drive bay support
• No SED drive support
• No Fibre Channel support
• No InfiniBand support

For details about the ThinkSystem SR650 V2, see the SR650 V2 product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server

To verify what specific hardware components are supported with the HX 2U systems, see the DCSC configurator:
https://dcsc.lenovo.com

The HX 2U systems support the following processors.

For details about these options, including configuration rules, see the SR650 V2 product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server#processors

Configuration notes:

• HX5530 and HX5531 support 1 or 2 processors
• HX7530 and HX7531 require 2 processors

The HX 2U systems support the following memory options.

For details about these options, including configuration rules, see the SR650 V2 product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server#memory-options

The HX 2U systems support the following internal storage controllers.

For details about these options, see the SR650 V2 product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server#controllers-for-internal-storage

The following table lists the supported drive options for the HX 2U systems.

The HX 2U systems support the following networking options.

For details about these options, including configuration rules, see the SR650 V2 product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server#i-o-expansion
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server#network-adapters

The HX 2U systems support the following GPU options.

Configuration Note:

• Some GPUs are only available with VMware ESXi selected as the hypervisor
• Some GPUs are unavailable because of government restriction in certain markets.

For details about these options, including configuration rules, see the SR650 V2 product guide:
https://lenovopress.com/lp1392-thinksystem-sr650-v2-server#gpu-adapters

The systems support the hypervisors listed in the following table. Hypervisors are installed on the 2x M.2 SSDs configured in a RAID-1 drive group.

Configuration notes:

• In ESXi-based environments, HX Series Appliances require VMware vCenter Server.
• The HX Certified Nodes support the Nutanix Software Starter, Pro and Ultimate editions.
• The HX Certified Nodes can be deployed as a cluster of 3 or more nodes (AOS 5.17.1.3 or later).
• The HX Certified Nodes support firmware updates from Nutanix Prism with the ThinkAgile HX Lifecycle Manager (UEFI, XCC, drives, network adapters, and SAS HBAs)

For the information on appliance firmware levels, hypervisor versions, and software versions that have been tested for interoperability, refer to the Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Series Best Recipes:
http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht505413

The ThinkAgile HX Appliances support the following software components except Nutanix Portfolio 2.0 (PnP) Licensing Model which is only supported by ThinkAgile HX  Certified Nodes:

• Nutanix Acropolis
• Nutanix Prism
• Nutanix Calm
• Nutanix Flow
• Nutanix Portfolio 2.0 (PnP) Licensing Model

The editions have the following characteristics:

• The Starter edition offers the core set of Nutanix software functionality. This edition is ideal for small-scale deployments with a limited set of workloads.
• The Pro edition offers rich data services, along with resilience and management features. This edition is ideal for enterprises running multiple applications on a Nutanix cluster or with large-scale single workload deployments.
• The Ultimate edition offers the full suite of Nutanix software capabilities to tackle complex infrastructure challenges. This edition is ideal for multi-site deployments.

The following table compares key features of the Nutanix software editions. For more information, see the following web page:
https://www.nutanix.com/products/software-options

Configuration note: When upgrading Prism Starter after the initial deployment, customers should request a quote for the selected Prism part numbers from Lenovo and provide additional details on the existing installation.

Nutanix Prism offers the following features:

• Single point of control
  • Accelerates enterprise-wide deployment
  • Manages capacity centrally
  • Adds nodes in minutes
  • Supports non-disruptive software upgrades with zero downtime
  • Integrates with REST APIs and PowerShell
  • Manages firmware updates with the ThinkAgile HX Lifecycle Manager (UEFI, XCC, drives, network adapters, and SAS HBAs)
• Monitoring and alerting
  • Tracks infrastructure utilization (storage, processor, memory)
  • Centrally monitors multiple clusters across multiple sites
  • Monitors per-VM performance and resource usage
  • Checks system health
  • Generates alerts and notifications
• Integrated data protection
  • Offers customizable RPO/RTO and retention policies
  • Supports configurable per-VM replication (1:1, 1:many and many:1)
  • Provides efficient VM recovery
  • Deploys affordable DR and backup to the cloud
• Diagnostics and troubleshooting
  • Provides time-based historical views of VM activity
  • Performs proactive alert analysis
  • Correlates alerts and events to quickly diagnose issues
  • Generates actionable alerts and reduces resolution times
  • Analyzes trending patterns for accurate capacity planning

The Calm software is licensed on a per-VM basis in 25 VM packs. The Calm software licenses can be added during the initial purchase by selecting the software option listed in the following table. Calm licenses are only for HX integrated systems, not for certified nodes.

The ThinkAgile HX Series appliances can be configured with a three-, four, or five-year hardware warranty with 24x7 ThinkAgile Premier Single Point of Support (Lenovo appliance hardware and Nutanix software) and various levels of coverage with a well-defined scope of services, including service hours, response time, term of service, and service agreement terms and conditions.

The Lenovo local support centers perform problem determination and resolution for hardware-related issues and escalate to Nutanix, on behalf of the customer, for software-related problem determination. Nutanix will contact the customer and will own the software-related problem resolution until closure.

For more information refer to the Lenovo Support Plan - ThinkAgile HX Appliance and Lenovo Converged HX Series
https://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht505404

The ThinkAgile HX Certified Nodes can be configured with three-, four, or five-year hardware warranty and various levels of service coverage with a well-defined scope of services, including service hours, response time, term of service, and service agreement terms and conditions.

The base warranty provides 9x5 Next Business Day response with parts delivered. Lenovo’s additional support services provide a sophisticated, unified support structure for a customer's data center, with an experience consistently ranked number one in customer satisfaction worldwide.

For more information refer to the Lenovo Support Plan - ThinkAgile HX Certified Nodes
https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/HT510301

Hardware warranty

The ThinkAgile HX 2U Appliances & Certified Nodes have a 3-year warranty:

• 7Z82 - 2U Appliance - 3 year warranty
• 7Z84 - 2U Certified Node - 3 year warranty

The standard warranty terms are customer-replaceable unit (CRU) and onsite (for field-replaceable units FRUs only) with standard call center support during normal business hours and 9x5 Next Business Day Parts Delivered.

Lenovo’s additional support services provide a sophisticated, unified support structure for your data center, with an experience consistently ranked number one in customer satisfaction worldwide. Available offerings include:

• Premier Support

  Premier Support provides a Lenovo-owned customer experience and delivers direct access to technicians skilled in hardware, software, and advanced troubleshooting, in addition to the following:

  • Direct technician-to-technician access through a dedicated phone line
  • 24x7x365 remote support
  • Single point of contact service
  • End to end case management
  • Third-party collaborative software support
  • Online case tools and live chat support
  • On-demand remote system analysis
• Warranty Upgrade (Preconfigured Support)

  Services are available to meet the on-site response time targets that match the criticality of your systems.

  • 3, 4, or 5 years of service coverage
  • 1-year or 2-year post-warranty extensions
  • Foundation Service: 9x5 service coverage with next business day onsite response. YourDrive YourData is an optional extra (see below).
  • Essential Service: 24x7 service coverage with 4-hour onsite response or 24-hour committed repair (available only in select markets). Bundled with YourDrive YourData.
  • Advanced Service: 24x7 service coverage with 2-hour onsite response or 6-hour committed repair (available only in select markets). Bundled with YourDrive YourData.
• Managed Services

  Lenovo Managed Services provides continuous 24x7 remote monitoring (plus 24x7 call center availability) and proactive management of your data center using state-of-the-art tools, systems, and practices by a team of highly skilled and experienced Lenovo services professionals.

  Quarterly reviews check error logs, verify firmware & OS device driver levels, and software as needed. We’ll also maintain records of latest patches, critical updates, and firmware levels, to ensure you systems are providing business value through optimized performance.

• Technical Account Management (TAM)

  A Lenovo Technical Account Manager helps you optimize the operation of your data center based on a deep understanding of your business. You gain direct access to your Lenovo TAM, who serves as your single point of contact to expedite service requests, provide status updates, and furnish reports to track incidents over time. In addition, your TAM will help proactively make service recommendations and manage your service relationship with Lenovo to make certain your needs are met.

• Enterprise Server Software Support

  Enterprise Software Support is an additional support service providing customers with software support on Microsoft, Red Hat, SUSE, and VMware applications and systems. Around the clock availability for critical problems plus unlimited calls and incidents helps customers address challenges fast, without incremental costs. Support staff can answer troubleshooting and diagnostic questions, address product comparability and interoperability issues, isolate causes of problems, report defects to software vendors, and more.

• YourDrive YourData

  Lenovo’s YourDrive YourData is a multi-drive retention offering that ensures your data is always under your control, regardless of the number of drives that are installed in your Lenovo server. In the unlikely event of a drive failure, you retain possession of your drive while Lenovo replaces the failed drive part. Your data stays safely on your premises, in your hands. The YourDrive YourData service can be purchased in convenient bundles and is optional with Foundation Service. It is bundled with Essential Service and Advanced Service.

• Health Check

  Having a trusted partner who can perform regular and detailed health checks is central to maintaining efficiency and ensuring that your systems and business are always running at their best. Health Check supports Lenovo-branded server, storage, and networking devices, as well as select Lenovo-supported products from other vendors that are sold by Lenovo or a Lenovo-Authorized Reseller.

Examples of region-specific warranty terms are second or longer business day parts delivery or parts-only base warranty.

If warranty terms and conditions include onsite labor for repair or replacement of parts, Lenovo will dispatch a service technician to the customer site to perform the replacement. Onsite labor under base warranty is limited to labor for replacement of parts that have been determined to be field-replaceable units (FRUs). Parts that are determined to be customer-replaceable units (CRUs) do not include onsite labor under base warranty.

If warranty terms include parts-only base warranty, Lenovo is responsible for delivering only replacement parts that are under base warranty (including FRUs) that will be sent to a requested location for self-service. Parts-only service does not include a service technician being dispatched onsite. Parts must be changed at customer’s own cost and labor and defective parts must be returned following the instructions supplied with the spare parts.

The following optional Lenovo Professional Services are available to get customers up and running quickly.

• Basic Hardware Installation Services
  • Unpacking and inspecting the systems
  • Installing options and mounting the systems in a rack cabinet
  • Connecting the systems to electrical power and network
  • Checking and updating firmware to the latest levels
  • Verifying operations
  • Disposal of the packaging materials (within the customer site)
• Nutanix deployment services - Base (per node)
  • Conducting remote preparation and planning
  • Verifying firmware versions and performing firmware updates, if needed
  • Installing and configuring hypervisor and Nutanix controller VM
  • Creating Nutanix cluster
  • Configuring storage
  • Configuring administrative features
• Nutanix deployment services - Advanced (per cluster)
  • Configuring and integrating a virtualized environment
    • Nutanix containers and Acropolis (AHV) cluster
    • VMware vCenter Server and vSphere cluster (for VMware installations)
  • Transferring knowledge
• Nutanix deployment services - Advanced with XClarity (per cluster)
  • Nutanix deployment services - Advanced
  • Installing Lenovo XClarity
  • Configuring Lenovo XClarity network settings and performing discovery and inventory
  • Installing system updates

For more information, refer to the Data Center Implementation Services web page:
https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/data-center/services/implementation-services/

Lenovo Financial Services reinforces Lenovo’s commitment to deliver pioneering products and services that are recognized for their quality, excellence, and trustworthiness. Lenovo Financial Services offers financing solutions and services that complement your technology solution anywhere in the world.

We are dedicated to delivering a positive finance experience for customers like you who want to maximize your purchase power by obtaining the technology you need today, protect against technology obsolescence, and preserve your capital for other uses.

We work with businesses, non-profit organizations, governments and educational institutions to finance their entire technology solution. We focus on making it easy to do business with us. Our highly experienced team of finance professionals operates in a work culture that emphasizes the importance of providing outstanding customer service. Our systems, processes and flexible policies support our goal of providing customers with a positive experience.

We finance your entire solution. Unlike others, we allow you to bundle everything you need from hardware and software to service contracts, installation costs, training fees, and sales tax. If you decide weeks or months later to add to your solution, we can consolidate everything into a single invoice.

Our Premier Client services provide large accounts with special handling services to ensure these complex transactions are serviced properly. As a premier client, you have a dedicated finance specialist who manages your account through its life, from first invoice through asset return or purchase. This specialist develops an in-depth understanding of your invoice and payment requirements. For you, this dedication provides a high-quality, easy, and positive financing experience.

The following sales training courses are offered for employees and partners (login required). Courses are listed in date order.

1. VTT Cloud and Edge Architecture: Principal Consultant Overview
   2024-04-10 | 50 minutes | Employees Only
   Details
   VTT Cloud and Edge Architecture: Principal Consultant Overview
   
   

   Join Ruth Miller, Lenovo Principal Consultant, SSG Services for a data-led discussions to examine in detail customer IT environments, highlighting pain points, performance issues, edge and hybrid cloud strategy and carbon reduction capability.
   Examples of workshop deliverables and outcomes will be discussed to illustrate the value of early engagement and discovery.

   Published: 2024-04-10
   Length: 50 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Course code: DVCLD211
2. VTT Data Management How to sell storage - April 2024
   2024-04-10 | 60 minutes | Employees Only
   Details
   VTT Data Management How to sell storage - April 2024
   
   

   In this course, you will know:
   
   - Why do we sell storage?
   - What are the basics you need to get an opportunity rolling?
   - Why Lenovo for Storage?
   - What is happening in the market today?
   - How to determine traction?

   Published: 2024-04-10
   Length: 60 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Course code: DVDAT209
3. Data management Overview
   2024-03-14 | 25 minutes | Employees and Partners
   Details
   Data management Overview
   
   

   After completing this course you will be able to:
   1. Know more about the data management trends and challenges
   2. Understand the data management portfolio
   3. Find out how data drives business value

   Published: 2024-03-14
   Length: 25 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
   Course code: DSTOO201
4. Technical Overview: ThinkAgile HCI and Cloud Platforms
   2024-03-07 | 35 minutes | Employees and Partners
   Details
   Technical Overview: ThinkAgile HCI and Cloud Platforms
   
   

   This course is designed to give Lenovo sales and partner representatives a technical overview of Lenovo’s ThinkAgile hyperconverged infrastructure and cloud platforms. Turnkey cloud platforms along with their architectural makeup, and container and data protection solutions are also covered.
   
   Learning Objectives:
   
   • Describe Lenovo’s ThinkAgile hyperconverged infrastructure and cloud platforms
   • Explain do-it-yourself and turnkey cloud platforms along with their architectural makeup
   • Describe container and data protection solutions

   Published: 2024-03-07
   Length: 35 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
   Course code: DCLDT2001r3
5. Lenovo HX Business Conversations
   2024-03-06 | 20 minutes | Employees and Partners
   Details
   Lenovo HX Business Conversations
   
   

   This course covers business conversations for Lenovo HX Hyperconverged solutions.
   Course objectives:
   • Identify a potential Lenovo HX opportunity
   • Conduct effective discovery to reveal the customer’s data center needs
   • Probe the customer
   • Ensure the customer knows you understand their issue(s)

   Published: 2024-03-06
   Length: 20 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
   Course code: DCGHXB001
6. Whats new with ThinkAgile HX AI-Ready solutions and enabling edge to cloud
   2024-02-15 | 70 minutes | Employees Only
   Details
   Whats new with ThinkAgile HX AI-Ready solutions and enabling edge to cloud
   
   

   Join Scott Ellis, Nutanix Solution Architect, Ritu Jain, Lenovo Product Manager and Adam Mandelbloom, Lenovo Technical Product Manager for a discussion on why many customers are looking for VMware alternatives these days, ThinkAgile HX is a compelling choice, learn how easy it is to migrate from VMWare to Nutanix and some of the benefits it can provide. Another hot topic these days is Artificial intelligence, and many times this takes place at the edge. Learn how Lenovo and Nutanix solve these challenges with compelling edge to cloud solutions.

   Published: 2024-02-15
   Length: 70 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Course code: DVCLD209
7. Family Introduction: Converged and Hyperconverged
   2024-01-25 | 15 minutes | Employees and Partners
   Details
   Family Introduction: Converged and Hyperconverged
   
   

   This course is designed to give Lenovo sales a foundation on the characteristics of the Converged and Hyperconverged family. As an introduction to each family, this course also includes positioning, when to use a family and product, and keywords a client may use when discussing a converged or hyperconverged product.
   Objectives:
   • Family characteristics
   • Priority positioning
   • Product usage
   • Key words and phrases

   Published: 2024-01-25
   Length: 15 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
   Course code: SXSW1101r2
8. FY24Q3 Hybrid Cloud Update
   2023-12-11 | 15 minutes | Employees and Partners
   Details
   FY24Q3 Hybrid Cloud Update
   
   

   This update is designed to help you discuss the features and customer benefits of Lenovo ThinkAgile systems that use the 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors. Lenovo has also introduced a new service, Lenovo TruScale Hybrid Cloud for Edge, which provides agile and reliable infrastructure as a service where you need it, when you need it. New Professional Services for AI with NVIDIA provides customers with expert guidance for designing and implementing tailored AI solutions. Reasons to call your customer and talk about refreshing their infrastructure are also included as a guideline.

   Published: 2023-12-11
   Length: 15 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
   Course code: SXXW2523a
9. VEEAM Solutions Sales Training
   2023-09-27 | 20 minutes | Employees and Partners
   Details
   VEEAM Solutions Sales Training
   
   

   In this course you will learn about Hyper-availability for the Always-On Enterprise.
   
   By the end of this training, you should be able to:
   
   Identify and explain the core products and solutions offered by Veeam.
   Explain the key benefits and value propositions of integrating Veeam solutions with Lenovo products.

   Published: 2023-09-27
   Length: 20 minutes
   Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
   Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
   Course code: DSTOO100
10. A Seller’s Guide to Nutanix OEM 2.0
    2023-08-24 | 90 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    A Seller’s Guide to Nutanix OEM 2.0
    
    

    In this Sales Team webinar, Mike Tilt, Ritu Jain and Brandon Saxton will cover the new Nutanix 2.0 pricing and packaging options to guide sellers on what the different types of offers, sales process and how to sell Nutanix 2.0. You will get an overview of OEM 2.0, Sales Process, PNP Pricing and Zone Information, and additional resources on Upgrade & Renewal SKUs and process.
    
    Course Objectives
    • Defining Nutanix 2.0 Pricing and Packaging
    • Describing OEM 2.0 Sales Process
    • Identifying resources and support

    Published: 2023-08-24
    Length: 90 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DSXNS101
11. Empowering Technical Sellers: Excelling In Transactional Workloads
    2023-08-18 | 60 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Empowering Technical Sellers: Excelling In Transactional Workloads
    
    

    This training abstract outlines a comprehensive program designed to equip technical sellers with the knowledge and expertise required to effectively promote and sell Lenovo and Nutanix solutions for transactional workloads. By focusing on the unique capabilities and advantages of Lenovo and Nutanix infrastructure in handling high-performance transactional applications, this training program empowers technical sellers to engage with customers, understand their specific workload requirements, and articulate the value proposition of Lenovo and Nutanix offerings in this domain.
    The training program encompasses the following key areas:
    1. Transactional Workloads Overview:
    2. Lenovo and Nutanix Solutions for Transactional Workloads:
    3. Product Portfolio Deep Dive:
    4. Addressing Customer Requirements:
    5. Solution Positioning and Sales Techniques:
    6. Competitor Analysis:
    Through this training, technical sellers will acquire the expertise necessary to engage with customers, understand their transactional workload requirements, and effectively position Lenovo and Nutanix solutions as the ideal choice for high-performance, mission-critical applications. By understanding the intricacies of Lenovo and Nutanix offerings in the transactional workload space, technical sellers will be empowered to drive successful sales engagements, build strong customer relationships, and contribute to the growth and success of their organization.

    Published: 2023-08-18
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DHXD201
12. Empowering Technical Sellers: Accelerating Lenovo and Nutanix Cloud Native-Container Application Solutions
    2023-08-18 | 60 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Empowering Technical Sellers: Accelerating Lenovo and Nutanix Cloud Native-Container Application Solutions
    
    

    This training abstract outlines a comprehensive program specifically designed to equip technical sellers with the knowledge and expertise needed to effectively promote and sell Lenovo and Nutanix cloud native/container application solutions. By focusing on the integration of Lenovo and Nutanix technologies with modern application development practices, this training enables tech sellers to engage with customers, understand their requirements, and articulate the unique value proposition of Lenovo and Nutanix offerings in the cloud native and containerization landscape.
    The training encompasses the following key areas:
    1. Cloud Native and Containerization Fundamentals:
    2. Lenovo and Nutanix Solutions Overview:
    3. Product Portfolio Deep Dive:
    4. Addressing Customer Needs:
    5. Solution Positioning and Sales Techniques:
    6. Competitor Analysis:
    7. Technical Demonstration and Proof-of-Concept:
    Throughout the training, tech sellers will gain the expertise necessary to engage with customers, understand their unique requirements, and effectively position Lenovo and Nutanix solutions as the go-to choice for cloud native and containerized application needs. By learning the intricacies of Lenovo and Nutanix offerings, technical sellers will be equipped to drive successful sales engagements, strengthen customer relationships, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the organization.

    Published: 2023-08-18
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DHXC201
13. ThinkAgile Accelerating Cloud Agility: HX Series Technical Presentation
    2023-07-28 | 40 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    ThinkAgile Accelerating Cloud Agility: HX Series Technical Presentation
    
    

    Amalu Santhosh, Lenovo Technical Product Manager, reviews the ThinkAgile HX product portfolio. She will walk you through a technical deep dive into HX workloads and discuss technical details and performance of the latest ThinkAgile HX solutions.

    Published: 2023-07-28
    Length: 40 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DHXT201
14. Lenovo Data Center Product Portfolio
    2023-07-21 | 15 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Lenovo Data Center Product Portfolio
    
    

    This course introduces the Lenovo data center portfolio, and covers servers, storage, storage networking, and software-defined infrastructure products. After completing this course about Lenovo data center products, you will be able to identify product types within each data center family, describe Lenovo innovations that this product family or category uses, and recognize when a specific product should be selected.

    Published: 2023-07-21
    Length: 15 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: SXXW1110r6
15. Cloud and HCI or Somewhere in Between
    2023-07-11 | 40 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Cloud and HCI or Somewhere in Between
    
    

    Provides a brief overview of Lenovo Portfolio for HCI and Cloud including ThinkAgile HX, VX, MX Certified Nodes and Appliances, Azure, and Engineered Cloud Solutions. Review Scenarios and complete questions "choose your own adventure" to identify and qualify an opportunity as HCI or Cloud and which portfolio solution would be the best option.
    
    Course objectives:
    • Where in the Sales Cycle we are
    • What is Cloud
    • What is Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI)
    • Review Lenovo Offerings in Cloud and HCI
    • Scenarios

    Published: 2023-07-11
    Length: 40 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DCLDS104r2
16. What’s New with Nutanix 2.0? Portfolio and Licensing
    2023-06-08 | 15 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    What’s New with Nutanix 2.0? Portfolio and Licensing
    
    

    Nutanix has updated and simplified their licensing for our joint customers. This course is created to give sales and partners representatives an overview for the recent Nutanix licensing changes and their current options.
    
    Course Objectives:
    
    After completing this course, you should be able to:
    
    • Describe the new Nutanix licensing rollout
    • List the new pricing and packaging options

    Published: 2023-06-08
    Length: 15 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DHXL001
17. Partner Technical Webinar - HX vs VX vs MX Panelist Discussion
    2023-04-11 | 60 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Partner Technical Webinar - HX vs VX vs MX Panelist Discussion
    
    

    In this 60-minute replay, Joe Murphy moderated a panelist discussion on ThinkAgile SHI. Baker Hull, VMware represented VX; Mike Tilt, Lenovo Technical Sales Manager presented HX; Phil Searles, Lenovo Solution Architect represented MX; and Brandon Saxton Lenovo NA Product Manager for ThinkAgile made up the panelist. The focus was less on the differences but how to elevate the conversation to get to the best solution. No slides were presented.

    Published: 2023-04-11
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: 033123
18. Partner Technical Webinar - ThinkAgile V3 Overview and SMB Express
    2023-02-13 | 60 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Partner Technical Webinar - ThinkAgile V3 Overview and SMB Express
    
    

    In this 60-minute replay, Joe Murphy and Dave Brown, Lenovo Solution Architects reviewed the new ThinkAgile V3 solutions. In addition, Dave did a lengthy demo and explanation of the new SMB Express feature of DCSC.

    Published: 2023-02-13
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: 021023
19. Family Portfolio: ThinkAgile HX
    2022-12-13 | 20 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Family Portfolio: ThinkAgile HX
    
    

    This course is designed to give Lenovo sales an introduction to Lenovo ThinkAgile HX appliances. This course also includes why a customer should choose Lenovo for their hyperconverged products.
    
    Course objectives:
    • Learn to identify products and features within the ThinkAgile HX family
    • Describe Lenovo innovations that the ThinkAgile HX family uses
    • Recognize when a specific product or products should be selected

    Published: 2022-12-13
    Length: 20 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: SXSW2109r3
20. ThinkAgile HX Seller Presentation
    2022-11-01 | 25 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    ThinkAgile HX Seller Presentation
    
    

    Join Ritu Jain, Worldwide Product Manager for ThinkAgile, as she shares how ThinkAgile HX unique values, routes to market, how to position HX, and competitive landscape.
    By the end of this training, you should be able to:
    • Describe the ThinkAgile HX advantages
    • Discover the routes to market & models available to sell
    • Explain the HX solution positioning

    Published: 2022-11-01
    Length: 25 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DHXSP101
21. ThinkAgile HX Customer Presentation
    2022-10-31 | 25 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    ThinkAgile HX Customer Presentation
    
    

    Join Ritu Jain, Worldwide ThinkAgile Product Manager for ThinkAgile, as she shares trends shaping cloud deployment models, customer Hybrid cloud strategy and how ThinkAgile HX is helping customers in their journey.
    
    By the end of this training, you should be able to:
    • Describe the ThinkAgile HX Solution
    • Discover the trends in the cloud industry
    • Explain how HX is helping customers with evolving trends

    Published: 2022-10-31
    Length: 25 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DHXCP101
22. Data Infrastructure Management - DM Series Storage
    2022-10-28 | 25 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    Data Infrastructure Management - DM Series Storage
    
    

    This course provides a technical overview of the ThinkSystem DM series products. Course DDMO101 – Lenovo ThinkSystem DM & DE Series Overview is recommended prior to this course.
    
    By the end of this course, you should be able to:
    • Recognize the components of the Lenovo Data Management portfolio
    • Discuss the features of the Lenovo Data Management components
    • Describe the features of the SnapCenter software components

    Published: 2022-10-28
    Length: 25 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DDM200
23. Lenovo ThinkAgile HX VDI Solution
    2022-08-26 | 10 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    Lenovo ThinkAgile HX VDI Solution
    
    

    In this lightboard video, Eric Kern whiteboards Lenovo's ThinkAgile HX VDI Solution. Sellers will learn how it works and customer benefits. Updated August 26th, 2022.
    Objectives for this course:
    • Understand how the VDI solution leverages the ThinkAgile HX platform with Citrix.
    • Describe what actions a system administrator can perform in the Citrix portal.
    • Explain how to manage the system remotely from a cloud infrastructure with Citrix.

    Published: 2022-08-26
    Length: 10 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DSVC129
24. Lenovo's value-added Solutions Software and SDI -ThinkAgile HX - Best practices for Selling Software/ SDI Process
    2022-08-23 | 60 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    Lenovo's value-added Solutions Software and SDI -ThinkAgile HX - Best practices for Selling Software/ SDI Process
    
    

    ThinkAgile HX is one of the most important parts of the ThinkAgile Lenovo Portfolio of SDI, Software Defined Infrastructure but it can be challenging to manage the deal registration and quoting for ThinkAgile HX. Listen in on Part 1 of this recent North America webinar where Mike Tilt, Sales Engineer Director, discusses the overview of ThinkAgile HX sales process and how to obtain Deal protection. He also discusses best practices for interactions with Nutanix sellers and shares personal experiences as a former SDI focused seller.

    Published: 2022-08-23
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DCLDO121
25. Lenovo's value-added Solutions Software and SDI -ThinkAgile HX - Best practices for Selling Software/ SDI Process
    2022-08-23 | 60 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    Lenovo's value-added Solutions Software and SDI -ThinkAgile HX - Best practices for Selling Software/ SDI Process
    
    

    In this Part 2, a continuation of a recent North American Webinar, Mike Tilt, Sales Engineer Director, continues discussion of ThinkAgile HX sales process and dives into VLS. He also discusses best practices for interactions with Nutanix sellers and shares personal experiences as a former SDI focused seller.

    Published: 2022-08-23
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DCLDO122
26. Lenovo TruScale for Hosted Desktops with Nutanix
    2022-08-22 | 15 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Lenovo TruScale for Hosted Desktops with Nutanix
    
    

    By exemplifying the case of a customer who wants to move to a remote desktop public cloud solution, this 15-minute course offers an overview of the Lenovo TruScale for Hosted Desktops with Nutanix solution, including benefits, architecture, and value proposition.

    Published: 2022-08-22
    Length: 15 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DSOLO109
27. Lenovo's value-added Solutions Software and SDI - ThinkAgile HX Licensing Update from Nutanix
    2022-08-22 | 60 minutes | Employees Only
    Details
    Lenovo's value-added Solutions Software and SDI - ThinkAgile HX Licensing Update from Nutanix
    
    

    In this continuous series of recorded webinar for ThinkAgile, Ed Stickney, Nutanix Worldwide OEM Sales Strategy and Enablement Leader, reviews with the North American region the recent changes made to the Nutanix simplified licensing model and how it benefits your customers. He also discusses how the new licensing maps to the current licensing and how you can migrate your customers to the new licensing. Ed also provides you valuable feedback from audience questions.

    Published: 2022-08-22
    Length: 60 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Course code: DCLDO120
28. Partner Technical Webinar - sizing ThinkAgile HX & VX
    2022-08-01 | 60 minutes | Partners Only
    Details
    Partner Technical Webinar - sizing ThinkAgile HX & VX
    
    

    In this 60-minute replay, we demonstrated how to size ThinkAgile VX and ThinkAgile HX. First Lenovo Solution Architect Joe Murphy reviewed the sizing methodology. Next, Lenovo Solution Architect Richard Smutzer demonstrated how to size ThinkAgile HX using Nutanix’s sizing tool. Lenovo Solution Architect David Cianchetta closed the webinar by demonstrating ThinkAgile VX sizing using the VSAN sizer from VMware.

    Published: 2022-08-01
    Length: 60 minutes
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: 072922
29. Partner Technical Webinar - Nutanix and ThinkAgile HX
    2022-07-20 | 60 minutes | Partners Only
    Details
    Partner Technical Webinar - Nutanix and ThinkAgile HX
    
    

    In this 60-minute replay, Brandon Saxton, Lenovo NA Product Manager, and Brendan McDermott, Senior Sales Engineer, reviewed the Nutanix Lenovo Partnership, the technology and the ThinkAgile HX offerings including both Integrated Systems and Certified Nodes. Based on some questions, a few slides were added at the end to compare ThinkAgile HX with the other ThinkAgile offerings.

    Published: 2022-07-20
    Length: 60 minutes
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: 071522
30. ThinkAgile Advantage Services
    2022-07-20 | 15 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    ThinkAgile Advantage Services
    
    

    The goal of this training is to go through the details of ThinkAgile Advantage, and to provide everything you need to have customer conversations and to order ThinkAgile Advantage and recommended services.
    Course objectives:
    1. Learn about the customer challenges and benefits of ThinkAgile Advantage
    2. Discover what it includes
    3. Understand how to make the most of ThinkAgile products and solutions with the elevator pitch for customer conversations.

    Published: 2022-07-20
    Length: 15 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DSVC121r2
31. Start the Conversation - Lenovo Cloud Strategy
    2021-10-25 | 25 minutes | Employees and Partners
    Details
    Start the Conversation - Lenovo Cloud Strategy
    
    

    The purpose of this course is to help sellers use the Lenovo cloud strategy as a foundation to start the customer cloud conversation. Topics include:
    • Why customers choose the cloud
    • The Lenovo Cloud Strategy
    • Starting the customer cloud conversation

    Published: 2021-10-25
    Length: 25 minutes
    Employee link: Grow@Lenovo
    Partner link: Lenovo Partner Learning
    Course code: DCLDS103r2

1-10 of 31 courses. Show All

For more information, see these resources:

• Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Series
  https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/data-center/software-defined-infrastructure/ThinkAgile-HX-Series/p/WMD00000326
• ThinkAgile HX Series Comparison reference
  https://lenovopress.com/lp1336-thinkagile-hx-series-comparison

• Interactive 3D Tour of ThinkAgile HX Series offerings:
  https://lenovopress.com/lp0454-lenovo-thinkagile-hx-series-interactive-3d-tour

• Lenovo Data Center Solution Configurator (DCSC):
  http://dcsc.lenovo.com
• Lenovo ThinkAgile product publications (user manuals):
  https://thinkagile.lenovofiles.com/help/index.jsp
• Nutanix documentation
  https://my.nutanix.com/
• Lenovo ThinkAgile HX Series Best Recipes
  http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht505413
• Lenovo Data Center Support
  http://datacentersupport.lenovo.com