To begin, let's define three popular infrastructure architectures:
- Distributed: A complex architecture where multiple components, typically in various locations, work together to achieve a common goal. In this case, servers or compute, disk storage, and network switches may be spread across racks, rooms, or even a campus.
- Converged: This architecture groups together separate IT components into a single, optimized computing package. While compatible, each component needs to be managed separately. All components including compute, storage, and switching are part of a highly standardized or referenced architecture and are typically deployed in a single rack.
- Hyperconverged: An architecture that is similar to converged as it is a consolidation of multiple IT components into a single package similar to a rack server; however, the components cannot be used separately. In this case, to add either compute or storage capacities, you must add additional units. Another big difference between the systems lies in the management. A hyperconverged system can be managed from one central location.
Over the last few years, cloud-based solutions, an example of distributed architectures, have received a significant share of the mainstream headlines. Among IT professionals; however, hyperconvergence has generated significant interest due to its software-centric approach. Hyperconvergence tightly integrates compute, storage, networking, and virtualization resources in a single hardware appliance that is supported by a single vendor. A major benefit of this tightly integrated technology is the ability to manage it as a single system through a common tool set.
Hyperconvergence grew out of the model of converged infrastructure. Under a converged infrastructure approach, there can be multiple independent hardware and software solutions which have been preconfigured in a single chassis to simplify management and minimize compatibility issues. If necessary, the solutions within a converged model can be divided and used independently. Whereas in a hyperconverged solution, the technologies are tightly integrated and cannot be broken down into separate components.
So what are the benefits of a hyperconverged solution?
To begin, remember that with a hyperconverged solution there are no silos of independent technology components. That means there is no longer a need to have technical resources trained and devoted to individual solutions such as storage area networks (SANs). That, in turn, aids in simplifying an IT environment which improves operational efficiency. Because it is a software-centric solution, hyperconvergence allows new features and functionality to be incorporated quickly without the need for new hardware.
Hyperconvergence also provides a scalable, building block approach that allows an organization to add capacity by adding one or more additional units as necessary. Data protection, including backup, file recovery, and disaster recovery are built into a hyperconverged solution as opposed to third party solutions that are a necessary addition in a legacy infrastructure.
While there are additional benefits a hyperconverged environment can provide, we will end this short overview with the cost savings. A hyperconverged solution that is designed and deployed in the right environment can significantly reduce the cost of ownership over the deployment of traditional legacy infrastructure.
While the distributed environment that cloud solutions provide will continue to grow, there will, for some time, continue to be IT environments that remain on premise. In these environments, the emerging trend in IT is apparent; distributed hardware elements are being consolidated back together. A hyperconverged solution can offer economic benefits similar to the cloud while delivering the performance, high availability, and reliability an organization requires.
To learn more about hyperconvergence, click on the button below to view our recorded webinar titled Streamlining Your Business With Hyperconverged Infrastructure.
