Why I Love Nutanix NC2 on OVHcloud

My recent article about NC2 on Google Cloud, focused on the arrival of a new fully managed hyperscaler integration. That piece naturally centered on cloud native NC2 models, where Nutanix operates clusters inside a hyperscaler environment while benefiting from native networking, identity, and lifecycle services. OVHcloud was not mentioned because it follows a different architectural approach. The goal now is to complete the picture and show why this is the NC2 model I prefer when designing Nutanix environments.

A Different Model Clearer Than It Seems

The fully managed NC2 platforms on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud operate as cloud clusters. They connect directly to the Nutanix NC2 management panel, which provides a unified operational view across supported hyperscaler environments while leveraging native cloud services for networking, identity, and lifecycle operations.

OVHcloud works differently. The experience is closer to selecting a product in an ecommerce cart. You choose the hardware profile and the licensing model. The price is fully transparent before deployment, with no variable consumption and no unexpected metering. You can also opt for BYOL if you prefer to use your existing Nutanix licenses.

Once deployed, OVHcloud delivers a fully operational Nutanix cluster with clean network separation and a preset edge. It is still NC2, but it is not integrated into a hyperscaler control plane. It behaves more like a turnkey private cloud delivered as a service.

For many environments this level of clarity and predictability is exactly what teams want.

Turnkey Infrastructure Without Hyperscaler Constraints

One of the strongest advantages of the OVHcloud model is the turnkey nature of the environment. You avoid cabling, imaging, bootstrap procedures, switch preparation, and bring up sequences. OVHcloud delivers a running Nutanix cluster that you can use immediately.

For partners and MSPs this provides a fast and predictable deployment method without introducing the complexity of hyperscaler specific integration layers.

Full Control of the Network Edge

The default firewall included with the deployment is only a starting point. You can replace it completely with any edge solution you prefer. pfSense. OPNsense. Palo Alto. Check Point. A minimal Linux router.
This freedom is one of the reasons I appreciate this platform. You decide how routing, segmentation, and security are implemented. You can design an architecture that matches your operational model rather than adapting to cloud native constructs. I also wrote a step by step guide showing how to build a pfSense gateway in this environment, available here.

Predictable and Transparent Pricing

Cost clarity is another significant advantage. When you acquire an NC2 cluster on OVHcloud you know exactly what you will pay for hardware and licensing before the deployment begins. There are no hidden consumption variables and no metered charges.

This model aligns perfectly with MSP billing strategies, fixed enterprise budgets, and environments where cost predictability is essential for long term planning. It also removes the operational anxiety often associated with usage based cloud billing.

A Clear and Controlled Management Experience

Prism Central is not exposed through the public IP assigned to the cluster. Instead, OVHcloud publishes it through a separate public endpoint that is managed directly by the platform. This dedicated ingress point remains isolated from the cluster’s traffic path and provides a consistent way to reach Prism Central regardless of how you configure the edge firewall.

This separation creates a predictable access model that does not depend on hyperscaler identity or routing services, which is especially useful when operating multiple clusters with strict control requirements.

Why This Model Completes the Picture

NC2 on OVHcloud offers a combination that is difficult to match:

• A Nutanix cluster delivered ready to use
• Dedicated hardware with consistent performance
• Full control of the security boundary and routing design
• Predictable monthly pricing without variable cloud charges
• A simple operational model that avoids hyperscaler integration complexity

It complements the fully managed NC2 offerings by addressing a different and equally important set of needs. It fits environments where architectural control, isolation, and cost stability matter. It provides a modern and flexible platform without reducing the operational freedom that engineers expect from Nutanix.

These are the reasons why I enjoy working with this model and why it continues to be a platform I often recommend when clarity, control, and predictability are priorities.