Scale Computing Fleet Manager: Cloud HCI Made Simple

Discover Scale Computing Fleet Manager (SC Fleet Manager) and HC3 a powerful Fleet Manager Architecture for HCI & edge with secure monitoring and automation.

In today’s distributed IT world, enterprises are managing hundreds, thousands of edge computing sites and clusters. Handling updates, monitoring performance, and ensuring uptime across all locations can be a nightmare. Enter Scale Computing Fleet Manager (SC Fleet Manager) — a game-changing, cloud-hosted monitoring and management tool (SaaS based tool) that simplifies the complex world of edge and hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) management.

Developed by Scale Computing, the Fleet Manager gives IT administrators a single pane of glass to view and manage all SC//HyperCore clusters from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re managing a single data center or 50,000 clusters across the edge, SC Fleet Manager streamlines visibility, automation, and security — all in one intuitive console.

With built-in zero-touch provisioning, real-time monitoring, firmware management, and secure remote access, it has quickly become one of the most efficient tools for edge computing operations. Let’s dive deep into how this powerful platform works and why it’s transforming HCI management at scale.

What is Scale Computing Fleet Manager ?

Scale Computing Fleet Manager (SC Fleet Manager) is a cloud-hosted management and monitoring platform designed to simplify how organizations control and maintain large-scale hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) environments powered by Scale Computing HyperCore. It gives IT administrators a single, centralized console to manage hundreds or even thousands of HC3 clusters across data centers, branch offices, and edge locations — all without the need for on-site intervention or VPN connections.

Built on simplicity and automation, SC Fleet Manager provides real-time visibility into infrastructure health, performance, and utilization at the cluster, node, and virtual machine levels. It also enables zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) — allowing administrators to deploy new nodes and clusters remotely without manual configuration. Once powered on, nodes automatically connect, register, and configure themselves with Fleet Manager, drastically reducing setup time and operational costs.

Security is at the heart of Fleet Manager’s design. It follows zero-trust principles, using encrypted outbound connections, role-based access, and authentication mechanisms to protect from unauthorized access. No sensitive workload or customer data is stored in Fleet Manager; only cluster metadata and diagnostic insights are collected for management and monitoring.

Another key feature is Secure Link, which allows administrators to access the HyperCore UI of any cluster securely through a browser, eliminating the need for VPNs or jump servers. Combined with one-click firmware updates and centralized patch visibility, it ensures consistent operations and improved uptime across all managed clusters.

In short, Scale Computing Fleet Manager unifies the management of distributed HCI environments into one intelligent, cloud-based platform — offering simplicity, scalability, and security for modern IT infrastructures spanning from the core to the edge.

How Scale Computing Fleet Manager Works

The SC Fleet Manager acts as the central nervous system for all your distributed HyperCore clusters. It collects metadata, health information, performance stats, and configuration details across all nodes in your environment and displays them in a single, unified web-based dashboard.

Using the Scale Computing Cloud platform, administrators can securely access, monitor, and manage any connected cluster remotely. The Fleet Manager provides real-time visibility into CPU, disk, and memory utilization — not only at the cluster level but also at the node and VM levels.

SC Fleet Manager Key Functions are:

  • Centralized Monitoring – Real-time visibility of all clusters worldwide.
  • Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) – Automatically configures and registers new nodes without manual setup.
  • Secure Link Access – One-click secure access to any cluster’s HyperCore UI, without VPNs or jump servers.
  • Firmware Management – Check for updates and apply firmware upgrades directly from Fleet Manager.
  • Global VM Overview – Unified view of all virtual machines (VMs) running across your fleet.

Important: SC Fleet Manager consolidates the operational control of your entire HCI SC//HyperCore infrastructure for saving IT operation teams countless hours and dramatically reducing operational costs.

Scale Computing Fleet Manager Architecture

The architecture of SC Fleet Manager is built on cloud-native principles (SaaS platform) with a focus on scalability, security, and automation.

At the heart of it lies SC//HyperCore, the hyperconverged operating system that powers all Scale Computing HC3 HCI clusters. Each HyperCore node runs virtualized workloads and communicates with the Fleet Manager using secure, encrypted outbound connections.

Scale Computing Fleet Manager Architecture -HyperHCI

Scale Computing Fleet Manager Architecture Core Components

  1. Cloud-Hosted Console:
    The central interface hosted on Scale Computing’s cloud infrastructure. It gathers and presents real-time data from all clusters.
  2. Secure Communication Layer:
    Utilizes zero-trust-based encryption, authentication, and authorization to prevent unauthorized access.
  3. Cluster Agents (Lightweight):
    Small, efficient communication agents embedded within each SC//HyperCore node send metadata (not workloads or user data) to the Fleet Manager.
  4. API Layer:
    Provides integration options with other tools or custom monitoring systems.
  5. Data Security Layer:
    Ensures that no customer data or workloads are stored within Fleet Manager — only metadata and diagnostic insights are collected.

Important: This SC Fleet Manager architecture ensures high performance, low overhead, and enterprise-grade security, allowing administrators to manage thousands of edge clusters from a single cloud-based interface.

Scale Computing Fleet Manager: On-Prem or Cloud-Based Console?

The answer is — it’s a cloud-hosted console designed for remote, centralized control. You don’t need to install or maintain additional on-premises servers or management VMs. Simply log in from any modern browser and get access to your entire SC//HyperCore environment.

This Fleet Manager is SaaS-based HC3 HCI Management console provides several advantages:

  • No need for dedicated management hardware.
  • Continuous updates and improvements from Scale Computing.
  • Global reach with access from any device.
  • Built-in redundancy and high availability.

However, for organizations with specific data governance or compliance needs, Scale Computing’s edge deployment model ensures no sensitive or workload data ever leaves your environment — maintaining full control and privacy.

Scale Fleet Manager Web-based Login

Logging into SC Fleet Manager is straightforward:

  1. Navigate to https://fleet.scalecomputing.com/login
  2. Enter your registered Scale Computing credentials.
  3. Instantly view your entire fleet’s health and resource utilization.
Scale Fleet Manager Web-based Login -HyperHCI

From there, you can:

  • Quickly scale-up from 1 to over 50,000 Edge Computing systems and VMs on HCI clusters.
  • Check connectivity and health status at a glance.
  • Monitor CPU, memory, and disk usage in real-time.
  • Apply firmware upgrades with a single click.
  • Securely access the SC//HyperCore UI for deeper cluster-level management.

This seamless access experience makes IT management truly borderless — whether you’re at your desk, in the field, or using a mobile device.

Comparison: SC Fleet Manager Vs Nutanix Prism Central Vs VMware vCenter

As enterprises modernize their IT infrastructure, managing hundreds or even thousands of virtualized systems across distributed sites becomes complex. This is where Hyperconverged infrastructure management platforms like Scale Computing Fleet Manager, Nutanix Prism Central, and VMware vCenter come into play.

Each of these tools simplifies virtualization and cluster management but differs significantly in architecture, scalability, cost, and use case focus.

Let’s explore their key features, strengths, and differences to help you decide which fits best for your environment.

Feature / CategoryScale Computing Fleet Manager (SC Fleet Manager)Nutanix Prism CentralVMware vCenter
Platform TypeCloud-hosted Fleet Management Console for HyperCore clustersCentralized Management for Nutanix HCI – AOS and AHVCentralized vSphere and VM Management
Deployment Model100% Cloud-based (SaaS)On-premises or Cloud (via Nutanix Cloud Manager)On-premises or Hybrid Cloud (vCenter Cloud Gateway)
Primary Use CaseEdge Computing, Remote Site HCI, Retail BranchesHybrid & Multi-Cloud Data CentersEnterprise Virtualization and Data Centers
Architecture FocusLightweight, cloud-native, zero-trust designDeeply integrated with Nutanix ecosystemMature, enterprise virtualization suite
Hypervisor UsedSC//HyperCore (built-in, license-free)AHV (free) or ESXi/Hyper-V (licensed)ESXi (licensed)
Hardware DependencySC Appliances or certified x86 hardwareNutanix NX or OEM hardwareBroad vendor ecosystem
Scalability1 – 50,000+ clusters (edge scale)Thousands of clustersHundreds of hosts per instance
Cluster ManagementSingle cloud dashboard for all sitesMulti-cluster management with analyticsCentralized vCenter per datacenter
Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP)✅ Supported (Edge auto-deployment)❌ Not native❌ Not native
Remote AccessSecure Link (no VPN or jump server required)Prism Central Remote Console (optional)Requires VPN, NSX, or remote tools
Real-Time MonitoringCPU, memory, disk, VM health (global)Cluster health, capacity, and predictive analysisPerformance charts, alarms, DRS
Firmware & Lifecycle UpdatesSingle-click updates via cloud consoleLifecycle Manager (LCM) integrationvLCM or manual upgrade tools
Automation LevelBasic automation (ZTP, firmware)Advanced automation (X-Play, Calm, Flow)High automation (DRS, vMotion, vRealize)
AI & AnalyticsBasic usage analyticsAI-driven optimization and cost controlRequires vRealize / Aria integration
Security ModelZero-Trust, outbound-only encrypted linksSSL/TLS, RBAC, SSOSSL/TLS, AD/LDAP, MFA
Compliance & CertificationSOC 2, ISO 27001 (in progress)SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR-readySOC 2, ISO 27001, FIPS
Data PrivacyMetadata only; no workload data storedStores metadata and usage dataStores config, VM, and logs
Backup & DR IntegrationBuilt-in snapshot and replicationNative DR orchestration (Leap)vSphere Replication, SRM
Cloud IntegrationNative SaaS, connects globallyNutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2 on AWS/Azure)vCenter+ and VMware Cloud Foundation
Edge Management🏆 Optimized for distributed edge sitesSupported with local PrismComplex for edge, needs add-ons
Performance OverheadMinimal, lightweightModerateHigher (resource-intensive)
Licensing ModelIncluded with SC//HyperCore (no extra cost)Included with Nutanix AOS license (some features premium)Paid per vCenter + ESXi + add-ons
Cost Efficiency💰 Very high – no hypervisor or console fees💸 Medium – integrated but premium💸💸 High – separate licensing layers
Ease of UseIntuitive web UI, no training requiredUser-friendly with learning curveComplex, requires admin experience
Multi-Site Visibility✅ Global single pane of glass✅ Regional and global dashboards⚙️ Requires linked vCenters
API & Integration SupportREST APIs, limited third-party toolsFull API access, ecosystem integrationsBroad API and plugin ecosystem
High Availability (HA)Built-in via HyperCore self-healingNative AOS replication and HADRS, HA, FT mechanisms
Resource Utilization ViewCluster, node, and VM-level metricsCluster and VM utilization analyticsHost, datastore, and VM stats
Mobile Access✅ Browser-based (any device)✅ Mobile web and app access⚙️ Limited mobile tools
Update FrequencyContinuous cloud updatesPeriodic AOS/Prism upgradesManual or automated vCenter updates
Community Edition Available✅ Yes (SC Community Edition)✅ Yes (Nutanix CE)❌ No (requires paid licenses)
Target AudienceSMBs, Edge Enterprises, Retail, EducationLarge Enterprises, Hybrid Cloud OpsEnterprise Data Centers, Cloud Integrators
Integration with StorageBuilt-in HyperCore storageAOS distributed storage fabricvSAN integration
Automation in DeploymentFull Zero-Touch ProvisioningRequires manual setupPartial automation via vLCM
Telemetry & DiagnosticsCloud-based health monitoringAdvanced machine learning analyticsvRealize Operations suite
Learning CurveVery lowMediumHigh
Support ModelScale Computing Cloud SupportNutanix Global SupportVMware Global Support
Typical ROIFast (low cost, low maintenance)Medium (premium, robust)Slow (expensive licensing and infra)
Best ForEdge, Distributed Sites, Remote ManagementEnterprise Multi-Cloud, AutomationTraditional Data Center Virtualization

My Quick Remarks are below:

  1. SC Fleet Manager → Ideal for Edge Computing, SMBs, and distributed infrastructure & HCI – best for simplicity and cost efficiency.
  2. Nutanix Prism Central → Perfect for hybrid or multi-cloud enterprises on HCI platform seeking automation and intelligence.
  3. VMware vCenter → Great for large traditional enterprises & HCI Platform requiring deep vSphere ecosystem integration.

What is Scale Computing Platform?

The Scale Computing (SC) Platform is a complete edge-to-core IT infrastructure solution built to simplify virtualization, storage, and management. It combines:

  • SC//HyperCore for compute and virtualization,
  • SC//Fleet Manager for centralized monitoring, and
  • SC//Hardware platforms for scalable infrastructure.

This integrated ecosystem eliminates the need for traditional virtualization licenses (like VMware or Hyper-V), complex SAN configurations, and multiple management consoles.

SC Platform - HC3 + HyperCore + Fleet Manager Software Stack -HyperHCI

Go through Scale Computing Platform Advantage as mentioned below:

  • Fully integrated virtualization, storage, and management.
  • Optimized for edge environments and remote deployments.
  • Supports automated failover and self-healing.
  • Built with simplicity, scalability, and security in mind.

What is Scale Computing HC3

At the foundation of the SC Platform is Scale Computing HC3, the hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) system that integrates compute, storage, and virtualization into one system.

HC3 eliminates the need for separate hypervisors, storage networks, and backup software. Each HC3 node includes:

  • A built-in hypervisor (SC//HyperCore)
  • Integrated storage virtualization
  • Automated data replication and recovery features

It’s ideal for businesses that need a cost-effective, easy-to-manage alternative to VMware or Hyper-V.

Do you know what is import top 10 HCI benchmarks to compare HCI solutions. You should go through it.

What is Scale Computing Hypervisor

The SC//HyperCore Hypervisor is the virtualization engine that powers the HC3 infrastructure. Unlike VMware ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V, HyperCore is purpose-built for simplicity and automation.

It manages virtual machines, storage, and snapshots with minimal configuration. HyperCore’s self-healing architecture automatically detects hardware or software failures and recovers workloads within seconds — with no manual intervention.

Together with Fleet Manager, HyperCore gives administrators both localized control and global visibility across all their clusters.

HC3 + HyperCore + Fleet Manager Software Stack

Think of the HC3 + HyperCore + Fleet Manager stack as a unified ecosystem.

  1. Scale Computing HC3 – It is hardware and software base trending HCI system where workloads (VM) run.
  2. HyperCore – is the Hypervisor OS that manages virtualization, storage, and resource allocation.
  3. Fleet Manager – The cloud-based cluster manager interface tool that monitors and manages all clusters remotely.

Integration Workflow:

  • HC3 clusters are deployed at edge or data center sites.
  • HyperCore manages the local workloads and resources.
  • Fleet Manager connects to all HyperCore nodes via secure outbound links, aggregating their health and performance data.

This combination provides a 360° view of your infrastructure, from edge to core, ensuring maximum uptime, scalability, and simplified management.

Scale Computing Fleet Manager Security

Security is a top priority in SC Fleet Manager’s design. According to the [official datasheet], it follows zero-trust principles and enterprise-grade encryption for all communications.

🔐 Key Security Highlights:

  • Zero-Trust Encryption for all data transfers.
  • Secure Link Technology for browser-based remote access — no VPNs required.
  • No workload data collection — only metadata is stored for management insights.
  • SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance underway.
  • Outbound-only connections, automatically closing after each session.

These security mechanisms ensure that even large-scale, distributed environments remain safe, compliant, and protected from unauthorized access.

Comprehensive Comparison: HC3 vs HyperCore vs Fleet Manager

FeatureScale Computing HC3HyperCoreFleet Manager
TypeHCI Hardware PlatformVirtualization & Storage OSCloud Management Console
DeploymentOn-premises nodesEmbedded in HC3Cloud-hosted
Primary RoleHosts workloadsManages VMs and storageCentralized monitoring & management
Management InterfaceLocal web UILocal & API-basedCloud-based
Firmware UpdatesManual or via Fleet ManagerManaged locallySingle-click updates
Zero-Touch Provisioning
Security AccessVPN or on-siteAdmin credentialsSecure Link (no VPNs)
Data StoredWorkloads & VMsConfigurations & logsMetadata only
Best Use CaseEdge or core deploymentHypervisor & automationGlobal fleet visibility

Scale Computing Community Edition

For those who want to test and explore the Scale Computing ecosystem, the Scale Computing Community Edition offers a free version of its HyperCore platform.
It’s ideal for:

  • Labs and learning environments
  • Proof-of-concept (POC) testing
  • Small deployments and developers exploring HCI

This edition delivers hands-on access to the same HyperCore functionality, making it an excellent starting point for IT pros evaluating HCI solutions before full-scale adoption.

Scale Computing Storage

Scale Computing’s storage layer is built into the HyperCore platform. It combines block-level replication, automated tiering, and snapshots to ensure high performance and reliability.
Each node contributes to a shared storage pool, providing redundancy and eliminating the need for external SANs or NAS devices.

This native storage virtualization is key to Scale Computing’s simplified architecture, which reduces hardware costs and improves performance consistency.

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)

Most common questions related to Scale Computing Fleet Manager that may help to get clarit.

Q1. What is Scale Computing Fleet Manager used for?

Answer:
It’s a cloud-based management tool for monitoring and controlling multiple SC//HyperCore clusters from one interface.
Note: SaaS based SC Fleet Manager URL is https://fleet.scalecomputing.com/login

Q2. Is Fleet Manager on-premises or cloud-hosted?

Answer:
It’s fully cloud-hosted, accessible from any modern browser — no local installation required.

Q3. Does Fleet Manager store my workload data?

Answer:
No. It only collects metadata and diagnostics, ensuring data privacy.

Q4. How secure is SC Fleet Manager?

Answer:
It uses zero-trust encryption, secure outbound connections, and SOC 2 / ISO 27001 compliance standards.

Q5. Can I access Fleet Manager on mobile?

Answer:
Yes, you can access your entire infrastructure securely from any mobile browser.

Conclusion

The Scale Computing Fleet Manager isn’t just another monitoring tool — it’s the backbone of modern HCI and edge infrastructure management.
By combining zero-touch provisioning, real-time visibility, and secure remote access, SC Fleet Manager drastically reduces maintenance overhead, improves uptime, and simplifies scaling to thousands of clusters.

Whether you’re managing a retail chain’s edge sites, industrial IoT clusters, or enterprise data centers, the SC Fleet Manager ensures your operations remain secure, consistent, and efficient.


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