Print reseller-turned-MSP Viatek makes big bet on software-defined systems

Melbourne-based reseller Viatek has invested at least $5 million on software-defined systems as part of its effort to expand its managed services business.

The company's new systems are supported by a network architecture called ViaFly, supported by at least 80 data centres and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) core routers from Nextgen Networks.

Viatek chief technology officer Naran McClung told CRN the software-defined system would assist customers with multiple data infrastructure by simplifying its management in a single software solution.

“We see the evolution from print to managed services to software-defined as a natural path. Print, document digitisation, IT services and cloud are increasingly connected in our customers' minds,” McClung said.

“We wanted to be more agile and responsive as a managed services provider, and our software-defined investments have given us this capability plus now serve as a differentiator when attracting new managed services customers.”

“We intend to build on our software-defined foundation, by carefully selecting vendors or technologies that contribute to the combined service framework.”

In addition to the network, the investments helped develop a hyper-converged private cloud, threat defence offerings, and leveraging Microsoft Azure to extend the private cloud in services like backup and disaster recovery.

The private cloud is backed by HPE Gen10 nodes and a Microsoft software stack that includes Windows Server 2016 ‘Storage Spaces Direct’, Hyper-V and VMM.

Threat defence meanwhile leverages machine learning to detect unusual baseline user behaviour that may indicate hacker activity in need of immediate containment.

“The days of relying only on prevention are sadly long gone,” McClung said.

The infrastructure as a whole meanwhile is hosted primarily in GovDC, NextDC and Equinix data centres.

In a blog post on the company’s site, McClung said its shift to a software-defined approach is “transforming” its customers’ operational agility and responsiveness.

“We’re no longer dependent on the in-person availability of a specialist in each technology area to manually complete their piece of the upgrade or change process before moving on to the next step,” McClung said.

“We’ve lifted the control plane, allowing us to manage diverse infrastructure and otherwise complex changes within software.”

Viatek, which had been one of Australia's major print service providers, expanded into the MSP space in 2014 after acquiring Barwon Computer Solutions and CN Group that year.