VMWorld 2018 sees Dell EMC announce VMware-based "key portfolio enhancements and integrations" through updates to the VxRail hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) and VxBlock converged infrastructure (CI).

“Organisations that digitally transform with a software-defined and cloud-ready modern data center infrastructure are able to execute a powerful hybrid cloud strategy that provides optimal control, simplicity and cost tolerance to match their own unique preferences,” Dell says. “Working together, Dell EMC and VMware continue to enhance VxRail and VxBlock System 1000, to automate the operations of integrated cloud platforms, so our customers can use them to maximize what’s possible with their data-- resulting in better processes, innovative outcomes and operating efficiencies.”

Mirantis is the next company to offer an edge computing solution with Mirantis Cloud Platform Edge (MCP Edge)-- a system based on the open source Kubernetes container orchestration software.

For the unfamiliar, edge infrastructure consits of many geographically distributed points of presence (POPs) with heterogeneous architecture, demanding a different approach to deployment and management. Aimed at telcos wanting to rollout 5G services at the network edge, MCP Edge promises low footprint, low latency and high throughput edge infrastructure based on open standards. It offers centralised management, and integrates Kubernetes 1.1, OpenStack and DriveTrain, the Mirantis infrastructure manager, for a combination of container, VM and bare metal POPs connected by a unified management plane.

IBM is the next big industry player to buy into open source as it announces the $34 billion acquisition of Red Hat, the company behind Enterprise Linux OS, with plans to transform the cloud landscape.

"The combination of IBM and Red Hat, it's a game changer," IBM CEO Ginni Rometty claims. "We will be the undisputed No. 1 leader in hybrid cloud."

The deal is the biggest in open source history, and shows the Red Hat model of Linux distribution is a success, to put it mildly. For the uninitiated, Red Hat offers Enterprise Linux OS on a subscription basis, with companies paying for the privilege of specialists taking care of implementing the open source OS. The business model is very profitable, leading to Red Hat revenues worth $823 million in the fiscal quarter ending September 2019.

The annual OpenWorld conference sees Oracle announce artificial intelligence updates to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Cloud and Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) Cloud, adding a further layer of machine learning-based improvements.

According to the company, the latest addition of AI smarts delivers "rapid, data-driven insights," allowing customers to embrace new business models, capitalise on new market opportunies and increase profitability. It also says 5500 organisations in 85 countries and 23 industries make use of ERP Cloud, with customers including the likes of Bank of America, L.A. Lakers, Office Depot, Caesars Entertainment, Cleveland Clinic, Western Digital and Mount Sinai Health System.