Robert L. Mitchell: Would You Like a Data Center with That Server?

Computerworld — Faced with the continued commoditization of servers, IT vendors this year will try to differentiate their offerings by moving toward more highly integrated, unified compute platforms.

Data Center Definitions and Solutions

That means combining servers, storage and networks — and related management software — as a package deal, says Rockwell Bonecutter, data center technology and operations practice lead at Accenture Ltd. (ACN) Vendors tried something similar a few years ago with the launch of modular “data center in a box” products. But this time, they are thinking out of the box by focusing squarely on the core data center infrastructure.

Soup to Nuts

With integrated systems, you’re not just buying a server; you’re buying the entire infrastructure to go with it as a single, managed entity. The systems are highly integrated and highly scalable, and they include computing, storage and networking systems, as well as business services management, automated orchestration and provisioning capabilities. In some cases, those systems might include power delivery and cooling as well.

When combined with virtualization, converged systems can form the foundation of a private cloud-computing resource.

more of the ComputerWorld article by Robert L. Mitchell, as repeated by CIO.com

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.