Fragile IT Methodology for Data Center Management

Fragile IT methodology is a new technique that is gaining traction in the current data center management industry.

The methodology is based on the premiss that IT equipment is fragile and vulnerable to failure. Fragile IT architecture keeps this as a guiding principle and builds data centers around the philosophy that the failure needs to be handled with minimum resources. In a backup oriented architecture, primary or secondary systems that fail need to be replaced or repaired so that the overall functionality of the data center goes back to normal. In the fragile world, the approach is to keep the failed system within the ecosystem, while also ensuring that it does not drain critical power resources.

Fragile IT also works on the current market reality that the cost of human engineering effort to repair a server that costs $1500 will often be more than the cost of the server. Fragile IT works very well in modular data centers, which work with hardware vendors that supply container-based systems. The advantage is that there is no human component needed from the data center side. Deployments are completed in record time with vendors ensuring even post lifecycle activities. When the equipment is no longer active and has phased out, vendors take care of what needs to be done with the container and its equipment. A container-based architecture also requires less cooling and is cost effective as compared to other models. Real estate is also minimized, making it an ideal choice for elegantly designed modular data centers.

Lifecycle management and equipment replacement costs have increased exponentially over the last few years. The legacy approach of wanting to fix everything the moment it is broken no longer works in today’s dynamic and fast-paced data center environment, where human resources are equally if not more valuable than infrastructure resources. A solution for this that is gaining popularity is to go modular and experience the benefit of rolling life cycles and seamless replication.

At Lifeline Data Centers, we keep everything up to date and have cost efficient processes so you don’t have to pay more. To learn more, contact us today.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.