Converged Infrastructure: Addressing the Efficiency Challenge

Vendors are combining computing, storage, and networking systems into one integrated IT infrastructure, promising more efficiency and flexibility than traditional silo-based approaches. There are three things that datacenter and cloud-system operators most look for in their technology: efficiency, efficiency, and efficiency. Many companies work with large amounts of bursty data, which places growing demands on their computing, storage, and networking infrastructures, which adds complexity and cost to their operations. Vendors are taking a radical approach by releasing product packages that offer customers a converged infrastructure, with a preconfigured, scalable pool of computing, storage, and networking resources run by a centralized management tool. The rise of cloud computing- which requires a flexible pool of resources-is a major force driving demand for and development of converged-infrastructure systems. However, the new approach may not appeal to all users and must still overcome several obstacles before being widely adopted.