Converged architecture is a type of “all-in-one” platform that brings together server hardware, storage, networking and management tools--all optimized for a specific task. For example, converged architecture might be optimized for hosting VDI (virtual desktop infrastructure), Exchange Server, SAP, SQL Server, SharePoint or Docker container workloads. Indeed, converged architecture isn’t simply a chassis that works well for any workload. Rather, it’s developed to perform effectively with a specific workload.
Every server administrator understands that the performance bottlenecks that impact one type of workload may be different than the performance bottlenecks that impact a different type of workload. Converged architecture addresses all of the hardware, storage, networking and management tool issues related to a workload. This enables server administrators to concentrate on managing the workload itself, rather than dealing with the “administrivia” of the infrastructure that supports the workloads.
Converged architecture offers several benefits over a traditional “build-it-yourself” approach to infrastructure, including:
· Converged architecture is designed to be expandable. If you need to scale out a particular workload, you can purchase add-on modules from the vendor that are designed for the explicit purpose of scaling out. Instead of worrying about buying extra server, storage, network and management capacity, you simply add it to the existing deployment.
· Updates can be obtained from the vendor as a consolidated whole. Rather than having to run separate update processes for each individual component, converged architecture can be updated as part of a single operation, often with a single change request.
· Using systems designed to work together simplifies the update testing process. Instead of working with a melange of systems that may or may not play well with each other, you are working with a set of components that have been rigorously tested. Firmware and driver updates will be painless, rather than a process in which updating one component may cause others to misbehave.
What workloads in your data centre would benefit from this model? What questions do you have? Please let me know in the comments section below.
This content is underwritten by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Converged Infrastructure through the new HPE: Composable Infrastructure: Enables IT to operate like a cloud provider to lines of business and the extended enterprise. It maximizes the speed, agility, and efficiency of core infrastructure and operations to consistently meet SLAs and provide the predictable performance needed to support core workloads—for both today and tomorrow.
HPE ConvergedSystems: Integrates compute, storage, and networking resources to deploy pre-validated, factory-tested configurations, from HPE, in weeks instead of months. HPE ConvergedSystem gives you lower cost of ownership and greater flexibility to meet more business demands.
HPE Converged Architecture: A flexible and validated reference architecture, 100% fulfilled through HPE channel partners. Based on the best-in-class HPE compute, storage, and HPE OneView infrastructure management software, this architecture delivers interoperability with a choice of third party top-of-rack networking switches and hypervisors from leading industry vendors.
