Hyper Converged has become a real buzzword in the last few years. Organizations are constantly looking for solutions to simplify processes and increase efficiency, while reducing costs. But what does hyper converged mean and how do organizations benefit from this new infrastructure?
For decades, we have been running software and applications on servers, while their data are kept on a central storage system. As computing power increased, we started to run multiple applications on the same server. Due to the development of SSD and even more powerful CPU’s, we are now able to add the entire storage system to that server.
What is a Hyper Converged Infrastructure?
By switching to a converged environment, we bring different units together into one system. Basically, there are three components: we already mentioned the server and the storage system, and they are connected by a network component. In a converged infrastructure, all components are managed in the same interface, which already is a huge simplification. A hyper converged infrastructure goes even further, as companies no longer need separate computing and storage systems. The storage component is now integrated in the server.
Many organizations are exploring this solution, driven by the rapid development of new technology. The IT department in a traditional company used to have a rather supportive role, but it now has a fundamental share in the success of the entire business. In order to remain competitive, they need to analyze data quickly and use the results to develop new applications.
Build or buy
In order to gain advantage from these applications, enterprises have two options. They could build their own infrastructures, by collecting components and creating a system which enables their database and applications to run faster.
Unless building really brings value, most companies are choosing to buy an infrastructure. This also contributes to the rise of cloud environments. However, switching to the cloud can be expensive and it isn’t necessarily the best solution for every organization.
In each case, organizations are looking for the simplest and fastest way to implement new applications. This is where a hyper converged infrastructure comes in. It offers the best of both worlds and has the most important characteristics of a cloud environment. It is easy to manage, while potential risks are minimized.
Traditional storage is still leading the market today, but hyper converged infrastructures are catching up. There is enormous potential: hyper converged could be the perfect solution for about 75% of applications.
Fully integrated solutions
The success of hyper converged environments is also leading to an explosion of providers. Organizations should therefore thoroughly think about their needs. The best way to benefit from this kind of infrastructure is choosing a fully integrated solution. What matters most to a company is how an infrastructure can be used in production and how it will remain profitable.
The success of hyper converged environments is also leading to an explosion of providers. Organizations should therefore thoroughly think about their needs. What matters most to a company is how an infrastructure can be used in production and how it will remain profitable. The best way to benefit is choosing a fully integrated solution.
Previously, enterprises still had to keep an eye on new firmware. Performing updates every quarter is quite challenging for IT teams. An update could cause a failure in the entire infrastructure.
With the support of Dell Technologies, organizations don’t have to worry about this anymore. Dell Technologies offers clients to take over the complete life cycle management of their hyper converged environment. Everything is safely tested by Dell engineers in labs before the update is deployed in the system of clients.
Conclusion: a hyper converged infrastructure simplifies the management of applications and eliminates the need of a storage system. This allows IT departments to work faster and become more efficient. Eventually, a better infrastructure will also improve customer service.
