
Hitachi Vantara vs Ivanti: A Comprehensive Comparison for Enterprise IT Decision-Makers
In the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise IT solutions, organizations find themselves choosing between various vendors to address their digital transformation needs. Two significant players in this space are Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti, both offering distinct approaches to solving enterprise IT challenges. This comprehensive analysis delves into the core offerings, technical capabilities, use cases, and overall market positioning of these two vendors, providing IT decision-makers with the detailed insights needed to make informed choices for their specific requirements.
The Corporate Foundations: Understanding the Companies Behind the Solutions
Before diving into specific product comparisons, it’s essential to understand the corporate backgrounds of these two players as it significantly influences their solution focus and strategic direction.
Hitachi Vantara: A Data-Driven Enterprise Infrastructure Provider
Hitachi Vantara emerged as a subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., a Japanese multinational conglomerate with over a century of industrial expertise. Formed in 2017 through the integration of Hitachi Data Systems, Hitachi Insight Group, and Pentaho, Hitachi Vantara represents the company’s consolidated approach to data-driven solutions. The company’s heritage in operational technology (OT) combined with its information technology (IT) expertise creates a unique positioning in the market.
Hitachi Vantara’s core focus revolves around helping enterprises leverage their data assets through an integrated portfolio that spans:
- Data Infrastructure: Advanced storage solutions, converged/hyperconverged systems
- Data Management: Data integration, analytics, and governance capabilities
- Digital Solutions: IoT platforms, smart spaces, and industry-specific applications
- Pentaho Platform: Data integration and business analytics capabilities
The company’s aim is to be the catalyst for enterprises seeking to extract maximum value from their data through the entire data lifecycle—from storage and management to analysis and activation.
Ivanti: The Unified IT and Security Management Specialist
Ivanti has evolved through a series of strategic mergers and acquisitions, integrating technologies from companies like LANDESK, HEAT Software, RES Software, Concorde Solutions, and more recently, Pulse Secure and MobileIron. This has positioned Ivanti as a provider of unified IT and security management solutions.
Ivanti’s focus areas include:
- IT Service Management (ITSM): Help desk, service desk, and IT self-service tools
- Unified Endpoint Management (UEM): Device management across diverse environments
- Security Controls: Patch management, privilege management, and endpoint security
- Asset Management: Discovery, inventory, and lifecycle management of hardware and software
- Supply Chain Solutions: Mobile productivity tools for supply chain and warehouse operations
Ivanti’s approach centers on the concept of “unified IT,” aiming to bridge the gaps between IT operations, security teams, and end-users through automation and integration.
Core Technology Stacks: Infrastructure vs. Management
The fundamental difference between Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti lies in their core technological approaches, with one focusing primarily on data infrastructure and the other on IT management and security solutions.
Hitachi Vantara’s Technology Portfolio
Data Storage Solutions
At the heart of Hitachi Vantara’s offerings is its enterprise storage portfolio, including the flagship Virtual Storage Platform (VSP) series. These systems represent some of the most robust enterprise storage solutions available, designed for mission-critical workloads with high availability requirements.
The VSP family provides:
- Enterprise-class reliability: With 100% data availability guarantees for properly configured systems
- Scalable performance: From entry-level to high-end enterprise requirements
- Storage virtualization: Allowing integration of third-party storage into a unified management framework
- Global-active device: Enabling active-active synchronous replication across metro distances
For organizations that require mission-critical storage with proven reliability metrics, Hitachi’s storage platforms offer a compelling technical foundation. Here’s an example of how their storage virtualization technology might be implemented in an enterprise environment:
// Example configuration for Hitachi VSP storage virtualization // Integrating legacy storage arrays through external storage virtualization // 1. Configure external storage path storage_path_config = { target_wwn: "50:06:0e:80:05:29:19:00", target_lun: "0", external_storage_type: "IBM-V7000", multipathing_policy: "Round-Robin" }; // 2. Create virtual storage pool with external capacity virtual_pool = new StoragePool({ name: "Virtual_Pool_01", tier_policy: "Auto", external_arrays: [storage_path_config], deduplication: true, compression: true }); // 3. Provision virtual volumes from the pool virtual_volume = virtual_pool.createVolume({ size: "2TB", thin_provisioned: true, qos_policy: "Mission-Critical", replication_policy: "Synchronous" });
Data Management and Analytics
Beyond storage, Hitachi Vantara offers comprehensive data management capabilities through its Lumada portfolio, which includes:
- Lumada Data Integration: ETL/ELT capabilities for complex data pipelines
- Lumada Data Catalog: Enterprise data discovery and governance
- Lumada Edge Intelligence: Managing and analyzing data at the edge
- Pentaho Business Analytics: Data preparation, visualization, and embedded analytics
These solutions enable organizations to transform raw data into meaningful insights, particularly in IoT-driven use cases. For instance, an industrial manufacturer might implement Hitachi’s Lumada solutions to monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance needs:
# Example Python code utilizing Hitachi Vantara's Lumada IoT platform # For industrial equipment predictive maintenance from lumada.edge import DataCollector from lumada.analytics import PredictiveModel import pandas as pd # Initialize connection to equipment sensors collector = DataCollector( connection_string="equipment_control_system_001", sensors=["temperature", "vibration", "pressure", "rotational_speed"], sampling_rate="5min" ) # Collect and process time-series data raw_data = collector.collect_data(timespan="24h") processed_data = pd.DataFrame(raw_data) # Apply predictive maintenance model maintenance_model = PredictiveModel(model_path="/models/equipment_failure_v3.pkl") failure_probability = maintenance_model.predict(processed_data) # Generate alerts based on prediction thresholds if failure_probability > 0.75: alert_level = "high" maintenance_window = "24h" elif failure_probability > 0.45: alert_level = "medium" maintenance_window = "72h" else: alert_level = "low" maintenance_window = "monitor" alert = { "equipment_id": "pump_station_142", "failure_probability": failure_probability, "alert_level": alert_level, "recommended_maintenance": maintenance_window } # Send alert to Lumada central dashboard lumada_dashboard.send_alert(alert)
Content Services and Object Storage
Hitachi Vantara’s content solutions include the Hitachi Content Platform (HCP), providing object storage for unstructured data with capabilities for:
- Compliance and governance controls
- Multi-cloud data management
- Built-in data protection and security features
- Metadata-driven classification and search
This serves as an enterprise-grade foundation for organizations dealing with large volumes of unstructured data that require long-term retention and governance.
Ivanti’s Technology Portfolio
Unified Endpoint Management
Ivanti’s UEM capabilities allow organizations to manage diverse device ecosystems from a single console, including:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux desktops and laptops
- iOS, Android, and Chrome OS mobile devices
- IoT endpoints and specialized devices
- Integration with Microsoft Intune Co-Management
This approach becomes particularly valuable for organizations managing heterogeneous device environments. Here’s an example of how Ivanti’s UEM platform might be used to automate device provisioning:
// Example Ivanti UEM script for automated device provisioning // Using Ivanti's REST API for programmatic device management const axios = require('axios'); // Authentication with Ivanti UEM API async function authenticateToUEM() { const response = await axios.post('https://uem.company.com/api/v1/auth', { username: process.env.IVANTI_USERNAME, password: process.env.IVANTI_PASSWORD }); return response.data.token; } // Provision new devices with corporate policy async function provisionDevices(deviceList, policyProfile) { const token = await authenticateToUEM(); for (const device of deviceList) { try { // Register device in UEM const deviceResponse = await axios.post('https://uem.company.com/api/v1/devices', { serialNumber: device.serialNumber, assetTag: device.assetTag, owner: device.assignedUser, department: device.department, deviceType: device.type }, { headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${token}` } }); const deviceId = deviceResponse.data.id; // Apply policy profile to device await axios.post(`https://uem.company.com/api/v1/devices/${deviceId}/policies`, { policyProfileId: policyProfile.id, enforceImmediately: true }, { headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${token}` } }); console.log(`Successfully provisioned device ${device.serialNumber}`); } catch (error) { console.error(`Error provisioning device ${device.serialNumber}:`, error.message); } } } // Example usage const newDevices = [ { serialNumber: 'NTBK78901234', assetTag: 'IT-0042', assignedUser: 'jsmith', department: 'Engineering', type: 'laptop' }, { serialNumber: 'TBLT12345678', assetTag: 'IT-0043', assignedUser: 'jwilliams', department: 'Sales', type: 'tablet' } ]; const securityPolicy = { id: 'sec-pol-001', name: 'Standard Corporate Security Profile' }; provisionDevices(newDevices, securityPolicy);
IT Service Management
Ivanti’s ITSM capabilities provide a structured approach to IT service delivery, featuring:
- Incident, problem, and change management workflows
- Self-service portal and knowledge base functionality
- Automation of routine service desk tasks
- Integration with UEM for seamless device management within the service context
These features align with ITIL best practices and help organizations streamline IT operations while improving service quality.
Security and Compliance Solutions
Ivanti’s security portfolio has been significantly enhanced through recent acquisitions, offering:
- Patch Management: Comprehensive vulnerability remediation across diverse platforms
- Privilege Management: Application control and least-privilege enforcement
- Secure Access: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and VPN solutions
- Mobile Threat Defense: Protection for mobile endpoints against emerging threats
Ivanti’s approach to security focuses on automation and integration, particularly in patching and vulnerability management. Consider this example of automated patch management with Ivanti:
# Example configuration for Ivanti Security Controls automated patching # Using PowerShell to interface with Ivanti's patch management API $ivanti_api_endpoint = "https://securitycontrols.company.com/api/v1" $api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE" # Function to identify vulnerable systems function Get-VulnerableSystems { $headers = @{ "Content-Type" = "application/json" "Authorization" = "Bearer $api_key" } $response = Invoke-RestMethod -Uri "$ivanti_api_endpoint/vulnerabilities/systems" -Headers $headers -Method GET return $response.systems | Where-Object { $_.criticalVulnerabilities -gt 0 } } # Function to create a patch deployment task function New-PatchDeployment { param ( [Parameter(Mandatory=$true)] [array]$SystemIds, [Parameter(Mandatory=$true)] [string]$DeploymentName, [Parameter(Mandatory=$false)] [bool]$RequireReboot = $false ) $headers = @{ "Content-Type" = "application/json" "Authorization" = "Bearer $api_key" } $body = @{ "name" = $DeploymentName "description" = "Automated critical patch deployment" "systemIds" = $SystemIds "patchCriteria" = @{ "severity" = "Critical" "releaseDate" = (Get-Date).AddDays(-30).ToString("yyyy-MM-dd") } "scheduleOptions" = @{ "startTime" = (Get-Date).AddHours(4).ToString("yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ss") "maintenanceWindow" = 120 # minutes "requireReboot" = $RequireReboot "rebootOption" = "IfRequired" } } | ConvertTo-Json -Depth 4 $response = Invoke-RestMethod -Uri "$ivanti_api_endpoint/patchdeployments" -Headers $headers -Method POST -Body $body return $response.deploymentId } # Main execution flow $vulnerableSystems = Get-VulnerableSystems if ($vulnerableSystems.Count -gt 0) { $systemIds = $vulnerableSystems | Select-Object -ExpandProperty systemId $deploymentName = "Critical-Patches-" + (Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd-HHmm") $deploymentId = New-PatchDeployment -SystemIds $systemIds -DeploymentName $deploymentName -RequireReboot $true Write-Output "Created patch deployment $deploymentName with ID: $deploymentId for ${$systemIds.Count} vulnerable systems" } else { Write-Output "No systems with critical vulnerabilities found" }
Use Case Comparison: Where Each Vendor Excels
The technical capabilities of Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti naturally align them with different organizational needs and use cases.
Hitachi Vantara’s Prime Use Cases
Mission-Critical Data Infrastructure Modernization
Hitachi Vantara’s enterprise storage solutions are particularly well-suited for organizations that:
- Require extremely high availability (99.9999%+) for mission-critical workloads
- Need to modernize legacy data centers with new technology while preserving existing investments
- Have complex storage requirements including mainframe connectivity and specialized workloads
- Must meet strict regulatory compliance for data retention and protection
Financial institutions, healthcare organizations, and large enterprises with transaction-processing systems often find Hitachi Vantara’s storage solutions particularly valuable due to their reliability and performance characteristics.
Industrial IoT and Operational Technology Integration
Hitachi Vantara leverages its parent company’s industrial heritage to deliver solutions that excel at:
- Bridging OT (Operational Technology) and IT systems
- Implementing industrial IoT solutions with real-time data processing
- Enabling predictive maintenance through advanced analytics
- Optimizing manufacturing processes through data-driven insights
Manufacturing companies, utilities, transportation, and other industrial sectors benefit from Hitachi Vantara’s ability to connect industrial systems with enterprise IT infrastructure.
Enterprise Data Management and Governance
For organizations dealing with massive unstructured data growth, Hitachi Vantara offers solutions for:
- Long-term data preservation with compliance controls
- Multi-cloud data management with consistent governance
- Data classification, discovery, and lifecycle management
- Cost-effective storage tiering from performance to archive
Healthcare, financial services, media & entertainment, and research organizations with large unstructured datasets often leverage Hitachi’s object storage and content platforms to manage data growth while maintaining governance.
Ivanti’s Prime Use Cases
Endpoint Management and Security Unification
Ivanti’s solutions particularly shine for organizations seeking to:
- Unify management across diverse endpoint types (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile, etc.)
- Implement least-privilege security models with application control
- Automate patch management across heterogeneous environments
- Secure remote and mobile workforces with Zero Trust principles
Organizations with complex endpoint environments, particularly those that have undergone mergers or acquisitions resulting in diverse technology stacks, often find Ivanti’s unified approach valuable.
IT Service Management Modernization
For organizations seeking to enhance IT service delivery, Ivanti provides capabilities for:
- Streamlining service desk operations through automation
- Implementing employee self-service with knowledge management
- Integrating asset management with service delivery
- Transitioning from legacy ITSM tools to modern, cloud-enabled platforms
Mid-size enterprises looking to improve IT service quality while controlling costs often find Ivanti’s ITSM solutions provide a balanced approach without the complexity of some enterprise-scale alternatives.
Supply Chain and Warehouse Mobility
A somewhat unique aspect of Ivanti’s portfolio is its supply chain mobility solutions, which excel at:
- Managing mobile devices in warehouse and logistics environments
- Providing terminal emulation for legacy supply chain systems
- Enabling voice-directed workflows in distribution centers
- Optimizing inventory management processes
Organizations with significant logistics, warehouse, or retail operations often leverage Ivanti’s specialized mobility solutions in these environments.
Technical Architecture Comparison
The architectural approaches of Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti reflect their different focus areas and historical development.
Hitachi Vantara: Infrastructure-Centric Architecture
Hitachi Vantara’s solutions are built around a core infrastructure-centric approach, with data storage and management as the foundation. Key architectural elements include:
Storage Infrastructure Design
Hitachi’s VSP platforms utilize a scale-up architecture with dedicated custom ASICs for storage operations, which offers several advantages:
- Consistent performance: Custom hardware enables predictable performance even under heavy load
- Advanced reliability features: Hardware-level redundancy and fault isolation
- Storage virtualization: Abstraction layer that can incorporate external storage systems
This approach differs from the software-defined storage trend by focusing on purpose-built hardware for mission-critical workloads, though Hitachi also offers software-defined options for different use cases.
Data Management Architecture
The Lumada data management platform employs a modular architecture with:
- Edge-to-core-to-cloud design: Data can be processed at the point of creation, in core data centers, or in cloud environments
- Metadata-driven intelligence: Extensive use of metadata for classification and governance
- APIs and connectors: Integration capabilities for diverse data sources
This architecture allows organizations to implement comprehensive data strategies that span from operational technology environments to enterprise analytics.
Ivanti: Management-Centric Architecture
Ivanti’s architectural approach focuses on management, automation, and integration across IT operations and security domains.
Unified IT Platform
Through acquisition and integration, Ivanti has developed a platform that aims to unify previously siloed IT functions:
- Common data model: Shared understanding of users, devices, and services
- Workflow automation engine: Cross-domain process automation
- Integrated console: Common management interface across functions
- API-first design: Extensive API capabilities for integration and customization
This architectural approach helps organizations reduce the friction between IT operations, security, and service management functions.
Security Architecture
Ivanti’s security solutions are built around a risk-based architecture that includes:
- Vulnerability intelligence: Threat feeds and vulnerability assessment
- Automated remediation: Patch management and configuration enforcement
- Context-aware access: Access decisions based on user, device, and risk factors
- Zero Trust principles: Least privilege and continuous verification
This approach aligns with modern cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize risk management rather than perimeter-based security models.
Integration Capabilities and Ecosystem
Both vendors have developed integration capabilities, though their focus and approach differ significantly.
Hitachi Vantara’s Integration Approach
Hitachi Vantara’s integration strategy centers on data infrastructure and management, with particular strength in:
- Storage ecosystem integrations: Support for major virtualization platforms (VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V), container platforms, and cloud environments
- Analytics ecosystem: Integrations with major data science and AI platforms
- IoT partnerships: Extensive OT integration capabilities through partnerships and standards support
- API framework: REST APIs for automation and orchestration of infrastructure
The focus is primarily on ensuring that Hitachi’s infrastructure and data management capabilities can integrate with the broader enterprise IT ecosystem, particularly in areas like virtualization, backup, and analytics.
Ivanti’s Integration Approach
Ivanti places greater emphasis on cross-domain integration within IT management functions:
- IT management ecosystem: Integration with identity providers, CMDB systems, and enterprise ITSM platforms
- Security ecosystem: Integration with SIEM/SOAR platforms, threat intelligence feeds, and security infrastructure
- Endpoint management: Integration with operating system platforms and application deployment systems
- Automation framework: Workflow automation that spans across disciplines
Ivanti’s approach is more focused on connecting different IT management disciplines rather than integrating with infrastructure components.
Cloud Strategy and Capabilities
The cloud strategies of these vendors reflect their different core competencies and market focus.
Hitachi Vantara’s Cloud Approach
Hitachi Vantara’s cloud strategy focuses on enabling hybrid cloud data management with several key elements:
- Cloud-connected storage: Infrastructure that can span on-premises and cloud environments
- Data mobility: Tools for moving and synchronizing data between environments
- Cloud management: Unified management of on-premises and cloud storage resources
- EverFlex: Consumption-based pricing models that align with cloud financial models
Rather than competing directly with hyperscale cloud providers, Hitachi focuses on helping organizations manage data consistently across hybrid environments, particularly for workloads that require both on-premises and cloud capabilities.
Ivanti’s Cloud Approach
Ivanti has more aggressively transitioned to cloud-delivered services:
- SaaS-first delivery: Primary delivery model for most solutions is now cloud-based
- Cloud-native architecture: Modernized architecture leveraging microservices and containerization
- Multi-tenant services: Shared infrastructure with logical separation between customers
- Hybrid options: Some solutions still available in on-premises deployments for regulated environments
This approach aligns with the broader trend in IT management solutions toward cloud-delivered services, reducing infrastructure requirements for customers while enabling more rapid feature delivery.
Performance, Reliability, and Scalability
Hitachi Vantara’s Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure
Hitachi Vantara has built its reputation on delivering enterprise-class performance and reliability, particularly in its storage platforms:
- Performance characteristics: Optimized for low-latency, high-throughput workloads with predictable performance
- Reliability guarantees: 100% data availability guarantees for properly configured systems
- Scalability model: Both scale-up (larger systems) and scale-out (clustered systems) approaches depending on the product line
- Enterprise workload focus: Tuned for database, virtualization, and high-performance computing workloads
These characteristics make Hitachi particularly suitable for mission-critical enterprise workloads with stringent reliability and performance requirements.
Ivanti’s Management Platform Scalability
Ivanti’s platforms focus on different performance and scalability metrics:
- Management scalability: Ability to handle large numbers of managed endpoints (100,000+ in larger deployments)
- Distributed architecture: Components can be distributed across multiple servers for larger environments
- Cloud elasticity: SaaS platforms leverage cloud infrastructure for dynamic scaling
- Performance optimization: Focus on console responsiveness and task execution efficiency
As a management platform rather than infrastructure, Ivanti’s performance characteristics center on administrative efficiency and management at scale rather than data processing performance.
Security and Compliance Capabilities
Both vendors address security and compliance, though with different perspectives based on their solution focus.
Hitachi Vantara’s Data-Centric Security
Hitachi’s security approach focuses primarily on securing data assets:
- Data encryption: At-rest and in-flight encryption options
- Access controls: Role-based access for management functions
- Immutable snapshots: Protection against ransomware and malicious deletion
- Audit logging: Comprehensive activity tracking for compliance purposes
- Compliance certifications: Support for major regulatory frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
This approach prioritizes protecting the data itself and providing the necessary controls and evidence for regulatory compliance in data management.
Ivanti’s Endpoint and Access Security
Ivanti takes a more comprehensive approach to IT security, particularly following its recent security-focused acquisitions:
- Vulnerability management: Identification and remediation of security vulnerabilities
- Patch automation: Streamlined deployment of security updates
- Application control: Whitelisting and privilege management
- Zero Trust access: Context-aware access controls for networks and applications
- Mobile threat defense: Protection for mobile endpoints from phishing and malicious apps
This security approach focuses on protecting endpoints and controlling access rather than securing data storage infrastructure, reflecting Ivanti’s management-centric perspective.
Total Cost of Ownership and Licensing Models
The financial models for these vendors reflect different approaches to value delivery and customer engagement.
Hitachi Vantara’s Enterprise Infrastructure Economics
Hitachi Vantara’s pricing and licensing model has traditionally followed enterprise infrastructure patterns:
- Capital expenditure focus: Historically focused on hardware purchases with maintenance contracts
- EverFlex program: More recent shift toward consumption-based and subscription options
- Solution-based pricing: Often sold as complete solutions rather than component parts
- Premium positioning: Generally positioned as a premium offering with corresponding pricing
The total cost of ownership for Hitachi solutions typically includes considerations of reliability, reduced downtime, and operational efficiency rather than focusing solely on acquisition cost.
Ivanti’s Software Licensing Evolution
Ivanti’s licensing approach has evolved with industry trends:
- Subscription transition: Moving from perpetual licensing to subscription models
- User-based pricing: Increasingly focused on per-user rather than per-device licensing
- Bundle strategies: Suite offerings that combine multiple capabilities at favorable pricing
- Tiered offerings: Different capability levels to address various customer needs and budgets
Ivanti’s TCO proposition typically centers on administrative efficiency, reduced security incidents, and improved service levels rather than infrastructure cost savings.
Customer Support and Professional Services
Enterprise solutions often require substantial support and services, an area where both vendors have developed capabilities.
Hitachi Vantara’s Enterprise Support Model
Hitachi Vantara provides support and services typical of enterprise infrastructure providers:
- Tiered support options: From standard to premium support levels with corresponding response times
- Global support coverage: 24/7 support capabilities across major regions
- Professional services: Design, implementation, and optimization services for complex environments
- Managed services: Options for Hitachi to operate and maintain infrastructure
For mission-critical infrastructure, Hitachi’s support capabilities are a significant part of their value proposition, ensuring that systems remain operational with minimal disruption.
Ivanti’s IT Management Support
Ivanti’s support model reflects its software and SaaS focus:
- SaaS platform support: Support integrated with cloud service delivery
- Implementation services: Help with deploying and configuring solutions
- Training programs: Certification paths for administrators and users
- Customer success: Programs focused on helping customers achieve outcomes
As IT management software requires significant configuration and integration, Ivanti’s services often focus on helping customers implement best practices and achieve rapid time to value.
Market Positioning and Future Direction
Understanding the strategic direction of these vendors provides insight into their future evolution and sustainability.
Hitachi Vantara’s Strategic Evolution
Hitachi Vantara has been navigating the transition from traditional infrastructure to data-driven solutions:
- Data infrastructure modernization: Evolving storage platforms to support modern workloads
- IoT and digital transformation: Leveraging Hitachi’s industrial heritage for OT/IT convergence
- AI and analytics focus: Building capabilities for data-driven insights
- Consumption-based models: Shifting financial models to align with changing customer preferences
The challenge for Hitachi Vantara lies in maintaining relevance in traditional infrastructure while successfully transitioning to new growth areas in data management and analytics.
Ivanti’s Expansion Through Acquisition
Ivanti has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy to build a comprehensive IT management platform:
- Security portfolio expansion: Acquisitions in endpoint security, VPN, and mobile security
- Unified IT vision: Integration of service management, endpoint management, and security
- Automation emphasis: Focus on streamlining IT operations through automation
- Cloud transition: Moving from on-premises heritage to cloud-delivered services
The challenge for Ivanti is integrating these acquisitions into a coherent platform while maintaining focus and quality across an expanding portfolio.
Comparative Analysis for Key Use Cases
To provide a practical perspective on these vendors, let’s compare how they address specific organizational challenges.
Enterprise Data Center Modernization
Criteria | Hitachi Vantara | Ivanti |
---|---|---|
Core Strengths | Enterprise-class storage platforms with guaranteed availability; hybrid cloud data management | IT operations management; service desk automation; endpoint management |
Limitations | Less focus on the management layer of IT operations | No infrastructure offerings; relies on integration with infrastructure providers |
Ideal For | Organizations with mission-critical data needs and complex data environments | Organizations focusing on improving IT service delivery and operational efficiency |
For data center modernization, these vendors address different aspects of the challenge, with Hitachi focusing on the infrastructure foundation and Ivanti on the management and service delivery layer.
Security and Compliance
Criteria | Hitachi Vantara | Ivanti |
---|---|---|
Core Strengths | Data protection; governance controls; compliance-focused storage | Vulnerability management; patch automation; privilege management; secure access |
Limitations | Limited endpoint security capabilities; focused primarily on infrastructure security | Less focus on data protection at the storage layer; primarily endpoint and access-focused |
Ideal For | Organizations with regulatory requirements for data retention and protection | Organizations seeking to reduce vulnerability exposure and implement least privilege |
For security and compliance, the vendors take fundamentally different approaches, with Hitachi securing data at rest and Ivanti focusing on endpoints and access points.
Digital Transformation Initiatives
Criteria | Hitachi Vantara | Ivanti |
---|---|---|
Core Strengths | IoT platforms; industrial expertise; data integration; analytics capabilities | Process automation; service delivery; user experience; mobile enablement |
Limitations | Less focus on end-user experience and process automation | Limited capabilities in data analytics and industrial IoT scenarios |
Ideal For | Organizations with OT/IT integration needs and industrial use cases | Organizations focusing on workforce productivity and service improvement |
For digital transformation, the vendors address different aspects, with Hitachi stronger in data-intensive industrial scenarios and Ivanti in improving workforce productivity and service delivery.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Organization
The comparison between Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti reveals not so much direct competition as differentiated focus areas that address distinct organizational needs. Understanding your primary requirements is key to determining which vendor better aligns with your strategic priorities.
Consider Hitachi Vantara When:
- Your primary challenges revolve around data infrastructure, particularly for mission-critical workloads
- You need to bridge operational technology and IT systems, especially in industrial contexts
- Long-term data retention, governance, and compliance are major concerns
- You’re seeking a partner with deep expertise in enterprise storage and data management
- Your organization values proven reliability and performance over cutting-edge features
Consider Ivanti When:
- Your challenges center on IT operations, service delivery, and security management
- You’re seeking to unify endpoint management across diverse device types
- Automation of IT processes and security operations is a key objective
- Your organization values integrated approaches to IT service and security management
- You prefer subscription-based, cloud-delivered solutions with rapid feature evolution
For many organizations, these vendors may be complementary rather than competitive, addressing different aspects of the enterprise IT landscape. Hitachi Vantara provides the data infrastructure foundation, while Ivanti delivers the management layer for endpoints and IT services.
When evaluating these vendors, consider not just their current capabilities but their strategic direction and how it aligns with your organization’s long-term technology roadmap. Both vendors continue to evolve through internal development and acquisition, with Hitachi expanding from infrastructure into data management and analytics, and Ivanti broadening from IT management into security and automation.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on understanding your organization’s specific challenges and priorities, and determining which vendor’s approach best addresses your most critical needs while providing a foundation for future growth and adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hitachi Vantara vs Ivanti
How do Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti differ in their core focus areas?
Hitachi Vantara primarily focuses on data infrastructure, storage solutions, and data management with particular strength in enterprise storage platforms and IoT solutions. Ivanti, on the other hand, specializes in IT service management, endpoint management, and security solutions with emphasis on unifying IT operations and security functions. While Hitachi provides the foundation for data storage and processing, Ivanti delivers the management layer for endpoints, services, and security.
Which industries typically benefit most from Hitachi Vantara’s solutions?
Industries that typically benefit most from Hitachi Vantara include financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities. These sectors value Hitachi’s high-reliability storage systems for mission-critical operations, compliance-focused data management solutions, and industrial IoT capabilities. Organizations with significant operational technology (OT) environments particularly benefit from Hitachi’s ability to bridge OT and IT systems for comprehensive data integration.
What types of organizations are ideal candidates for Ivanti’s solutions?
Ivanti’s solutions are ideally suited for organizations seeking to streamline IT operations, enhance security posture, and improve service delivery efficiency. Mid-size to large enterprises with diverse endpoint environments, retail and logistics companies requiring specialized mobility solutions, and organizations with complex IT service management needs often find value in Ivanti’s unified approach. Companies prioritizing automation of IT processes and security operations are particularly good candidates for Ivanti’s platforms.
How do the cloud strategies of Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti compare?
Hitachi Vantara employs a hybrid cloud approach focused on data mobility and consistent management across on-premises and cloud environments. Their strategy emphasizes enabling customers to maintain control of their data while leveraging cloud capabilities where appropriate. Ivanti has more aggressively transitioned to a SaaS-first delivery model with cloud-native applications, though they maintain some on-premises options for regulated environments. Ivanti’s cloud strategy centers on reducing customer infrastructure requirements while enabling rapid feature delivery through cloud platforms.
What security capabilities does each vendor offer, and how do they differ?
Hitachi Vantara’s security capabilities focus on data protection with features like encryption, access controls, immutable snapshots, and comprehensive audit logging. Their security approach is data-centric, emphasizing protecting information at rest and providing necessary controls for regulatory compliance. Ivanti offers a broader security portfolio including vulnerability management, patch automation, application control, privilege management, Zero Trust access controls, and mobile threat defense. Ivanti’s approach is more endpoint and access-centric, focusing on protecting devices and controlling who can access systems and data.
How do licensing models differ between Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti?
Hitachi Vantara has traditionally used an enterprise infrastructure model with capital expenditure for hardware purchases and ongoing maintenance contracts, though they’ve introduced more flexible consumption-based options through their EverFlex program. They typically position as a premium offering with corresponding pricing. Ivanti has increasingly shifted to subscription-based licensing with per-user pricing models rather than perpetual licenses. They often offer bundled suites that combine multiple capabilities at favorable pricing compared to individual components, with tiered offerings to address different customer needs and budgets.
Can Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti solutions work together in the same environment?
Yes, Hitachi Vantara and Ivanti solutions can complement each other in enterprise environments. Hitachi Vantara could provide the underlying data infrastructure and storage platforms, while Ivanti delivers the IT service management, endpoint management, and security controls. Integration would typically occur through standard interfaces such as APIs and management protocols, allowing Ivanti’s management solutions to interact with Hitachi’s infrastructure. For organizations with both infrastructure modernization and IT operations improvement initiatives, deploying solutions from both vendors may provide comprehensive coverage of different aspects of the IT landscape.
What are the key strengths of Hitachi Vantara’s storage solutions compared to other vendors?
Hitachi Vantara’s storage solutions are known for several key strengths: exceptional reliability with 100% data availability guarantees for properly configured systems; storage virtualization capabilities that can incorporate third-party storage systems into a unified management framework; advanced data replication technologies including global-active device for active-active configurations; and optimization for mission-critical workloads with predictable performance characteristics. Reviewers consistently rate Hitachi Vantara highly for reliability, performance, and support quality compared to other enterprise storage vendors.
What makes Ivanti’s unified IT approach distinctive in the market?
Ivanti’s unified IT approach is distinctive in bringing together traditionally separate disciplines: IT service management, endpoint management, asset management, and security operations. This integration enables workflow automation across domains, provides a common data model for users and devices, delivers consistent management interfaces, and allows for more effective risk-based decision making. Through strategic acquisitions, Ivanti has assembled a platform that addresses the growing convergence of IT operations and security functions, helping organizations reduce the complexity of managing multiple point solutions while improving operational efficiency.
What future directions are each company pursuing in their product development?
Hitachi Vantara is increasingly focusing on data-driven solutions that bridge IT and OT environments, expanding their analytics and IoT capabilities while maintaining their core storage expertise. They’re also developing more flexible consumption models and enhancing their hybrid cloud capabilities. Ivanti is pursuing deeper integration across their acquired technologies, expanding their security automation capabilities, enhancing their AI and machine learning features for proactive IT management, and continuing their transition to cloud-native architectures. Both companies are investing in solutions that reduce operational complexity through automation and intelligence.