Guide to Nutanix Test Drive for NC2 on AWS

What is Nutanix Test Drive?

Nutanix Test Drive is a service that allows users to experience Nutanix products in action, including NC2 (Nutanix Cloud Clusters) on AWS. It's designed to provide hands-on experience with Nutanix solutions without the need for your own hardware or cloud resources. It uses simulated or “click-through” experiences to demonstrate how a solution works. This can range from a simplified linear experience to an actual environment (with limited functionality) depending on the type of Test Drive.

It is not a free trial (https://www.nutanix.com/products/nutanix-cloud-clusters/aws/free-trial) or PoC (proof on concept) environment and as such is limited in its functionality. If a PoC is required, please contact aws@nutanix.com or reach out to your local Nutanix account team.

Please note: Use of ad or pop-up blockers may prevent Test drive from working correctly. It is recommended that you turn these off for an optimal experience.

Accessing Nutanix Test Drive

1. Visit: https://www.nutanix.com/one-platform.launchtestdrive.json?type=nc2aws&lpurl=one-platform-nc2aws

2. Either: a. Click on “Log in with MyNutanix ID”

Important: Sign up here if you don’t have a MyNutanix ID: https://www.nutanix.com/partner-signup

Do not use the customer sign-up at my.nutanix.com with an Amazon.com email as this will result in reduced Nutanix portal permissions that may cause issues beyond Test Drive.

b. “Continue with Email” if you do not wish to register for portal access (not recommended for amazon employees) or you are sharing with a customer or partner. You will be emailed an access code for onetime access to the Test Drive

Test Drive Portal

When you are through to the Test Drive home page it should look like this:

If you do not see “Build a Hybrid Cloud with AWS” then search for it by typing “AWS in the search box below:

Then hit launch in the “Build a Hybrid Cloud with NC2 on AWS” box.

You can then hit the “Connect” button to start the Test Drive experience.

Test Drive Experience

Once the Test Drive has loaded you should get a new tab with the following screen showing the contents of the Test Drive:

If you do not get a new tab, please check for any pop-up blockers enabled.

Clicking on step 1 “Simple Provisioning” will start the Test Drive experience which in this case is a simple “click through” demo.

Pre Test Drive Steps

It should be notes that the test drive does not include the relatively straightforward steps of adding an AWS “Cloud Account” into the Nutanix NC2 portal. This essentially involves running a CFT to give the Nutanix NC2 portal access to provision resources in the customers AWS subscription. More details can be found here:

https://portal.nutanix.com/page/documents/details?targetId=Nutanix-Clusters-AWS:aws-clusters-aws-account-add-t.html

During the Test Drive

You can go back to the Table of Contents in the bottom left corner at any time.
You can also at any time click on “Quick Links” or the chat bubble in the bottom right corner:

In the top right-hand corner of the quick links dialog you can also change the Test Drive language:

Ending / Extending

Please also note that if you hit the down arrow to the right of connect you get the option to Extend the Test Drive or End it (saving on resources).

Test Drive usually provides access for 4 hours, but can be extended in 2 hour chunks.

Once you have completed the “Build a Hybrid Cloud with AWS” Test Drive then consider the following Test Drives for further insights into the Nutanix Cloud Platform:

• Modernize your Data Center – Comprehensive overview of the Nutanix Cloud Platform in a simulated environment (not a click through). This gives the most comprehensive and freeform experience (you can deploy VMs, call them what you like, etc.) but does not include any AWS specific capabilities at this time. • Migrate Applications to Nutanix – A click-through demo of “Nutanix Move” that demonstrates how to migrate VMs from VMware, including onto NC2 on AWS. • Manage Your Hybrid Multicloud Environment – Demonstrates Nutanix Central the overall Nutanix multi region / AZ manager. • Application Modernization with Red Hat OpenShift – Run OCP on Nutanix in the Data Center.

Key Features to Explore in Test Drive

1. NC2 Console: Familiarize yourself with the NC2 management interface.
2. Cluster Deployment: Although clusters may be pre-deployed, explore the deployment process and options.
3. VM Management: Create and manage virtual machines in the NC2 environment.
4. Networking: Explore how NC2 integrates with AWS networking, including VPCs and subnets.
5. Data Protection: Test features like Cluster Protect and backup/recovery options.
6. Hybrid Cloud Operations: Experience how NC2 provides a consistent experience across on-premises and AWS environments.

Best Practices

1. Take your time to explore all features and functionalities.
2. Use the provided documentation and guides within the Test Drive environment.
3. Pay attention to the unified management experience between on-premises and AWS environments.
4. Explore how NC2 integrates with native AWS services.

After the Test Drive

1. Review your experience and note any questions or areas you'd like to explore further.
2. Consider reaching out to a Nutanix representative for more detailed information or a personalized demo.
3. Explore the option of starting a full 30-day free trial of NC2 on AWS using your own AWS account.

Remember, the Test Drive is designed to give you a taste of NC2 on AWS capabilities. For a more in-depth experience, you may want to proceed with the full trial or contact Nutanix directly for a customized demonstration tailored to your specific use cases and requirements.

Citations:

[1] https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-vz6ncav2wyjue

[2] https://docs.aws.amazon.com/pdfs/guidance/latest/migrating-vmware-virtual-machines-to-nutanix-cloud-clusters-on-aws/migrating-vmware-virtual-machines-to-nutanix-cloud-clusters-on-aws.pdf

[3] https://www.nutanix.com/products/nutanix-cloud-clusters/aws

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z01-gf5lJHI

[5] https://www.nutanix.com/products/nutanix-cloud-clusters/aws/free-trial

[6] https://www.nutanix.com/support-services/training-certification/training/course-details-nutanix-cloud-clusters-on-aws-administration-nc2a-aws

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm0q3AOYWjU

Authors:

Kiran Reid - Snr Partner Solutions Architect | AWS

Mat Brown | Senior Technical Marketing Engineer – Hybrid Cloud, Datacentre and Sustainability | Nutanix

Elvis Pappachen - Snr Partner Solutions Architect | AWS