Numerous companies are constantly looking for technologies that can help take data centers to the next level. In addition, companies are interested in minimizing costs, increasing productivity, and improving flexibility when using innovative solutions.
That is why the number of companies that have chosen in favor of a hyper converged data center is now increasing. Most organizations have already moved on to building HCI data centers, or are making every effort to use HCI hyper converged infrastructure.
Many experts are interested in the question of what is so unusual and special in such an architecture. We will talk about what HCI is, how traditional data centers work, and what makes this innovative solution stand out.
Table of Contents:
- What is hyperconverged infrastructure?
- One step back to the traditional infrastructure
- Hyper converged infrastructure to improve data centers
- Analysis of the costs and benefits
What is hyperconverged infrastructure?
“Too, over, excessive, beyond” is what the “hyper-” prefix implies. Thus, we can say that this is a completely new level for converged infrastructure. If in CI each component is separate and can be used independently, then HCI is the union of all components into one. Component integration is achieved through software-defined technology.
By components we mean the following:
- Computing power;
- Storage;
- Servers;
- Networks.
All of them can now be managed using a single interface. This means that there is no longer a need to hire a team of IT specialists since companies need only one system administrator to manage the data center. The hyper-converged infrastructure definition also implies that the scaling process is now achieved simply by adding new blocks as needed, which is easy and fast.
One step back to the traditional infrastructure
Each specialist understands what traditional architecture is. This includes the following components:
- Server;
- Storage;
- A group of software components that are used to support a virtual environment.
Each component of such a data center performs only a specific function. Thus, there is no question of flexibility at all. If you need to do computing tasks, then you need to use a server for this. For example, it is not suitable specifically for storing data. For networking purposes, you need to use completely different equipment that will be used only for this and nothing else.
Based on this, we observe complete isolation. All isolated layers perform a specific function. This means that you will not be able to manage them in a consolidated way. For each purpose and each piece of equipment, a separate control system is needed.
Moreover, you cannot limit yourself to only one specialist to manage each component. You need teams of specialists for different purposes because the amount of work is huge. Component management requires people with different skill sets. At the same time, in general, at least three teams of specialists are needed who will be responsible for the operation of all components. Furthermore, other specialists will be needed who specialize in working with virtualization, security issues and policies, and so on.
Traditional architecture is characterized by being quite challenging in terms of deployment, maintenance, and management. The disadvantages include delays in the provision of IT services, as well as applications. Building such an architecture is inexpensive, but if you need more capacity, then you will run into a whole host of problems.
Given that you need multiple teams, running all the processes becomes more of a challenge as multiple teams are difficult to coordinate.
Hyper converged infrastructure to improve data centers
A radical change from the traditional architecture is that in a hyper converged infrastructure, you no longer need to manage each component individually. That is why this architecture is the new better future of multiple data centers. All components are now combined and connected by one structure. Everything that previously had to be controlled separately can now be controlled using just one program.
To change the legacy architecture to a more modern one, you need to interact with one reliable supplier who will be responsible for both equipment support and software support. Companies can get a pre-configured platform that meets their needs. That is why the deployment process will not seem like torment for specialists. Thus, costs are significantly reduced, as well as the hassle of equipment compatibility.
To perform the virtualization process, the system needs to use a virtual machine monitor, a software that creates and runs VMs. In addition, various data services will be installed on the platform, and other third-party applications can also be installed on it. Such a platform is easy to acquire, deploy, and manage. Companies receive increased efficiency and exponential economic efficiency. This infrastructure is ideal for companies that need to reduce the time of market entry and perform complex data calculations more quickly.
Analysis of the costs and benefits
There are good reasons to implement such an innovative solution because companies need to know what they will get in the end. The following reasons are confirmation that companies should take a step in this direction:
Reducing the cost of maintaining the environment
Such an infrastructure helps companies reduce the cost of maintaining a data center environment. This includes reduced electricity costs, space occupied by servers, a cooling system for servers, and wiring.
Convenient management
Since all components are combined and can be managed using software on a single console, the time spent on troubleshooting is reduced. In addition, if you need many specialists with different skill sets to manage a traditional architecture, then you need one generalist to manage such an architecture.
Scale as needed
If you need to increase volumes, then it will not be difficult. To do this, you just need to determine the desired capacity and purchase additional boxes that are easy to install.
For any workload
This is a universal solution that is suitable for companies operating in various industries. The platforms support a huge number of applications and also different types of workloads.
Decreased TCO
By choosing this solution, you can interact with a single vendor that will provide support for both hardware and software. You benefit from a reduction in the total cost of ownership as well as a reduction in both capital and operating costs.
Conclusion
HCI, compared to other architectures, has many more benefits for companies in various industries. If this solution suits your specific goals, needs, and workloads, then you should start thinking about how to modernize your data center and increase performance.
