Contributed by: David Stalcup, CTA, Sanity Solutions on January 9, 2018.

Due to advances in Solid State Drive (SSD) technology and a corresponding decline in SSD prices, Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) is quickly becoming the go-to data solution in enterprise IT. HCI can potentially eliminate many enduring IT concerns, including service-impacting upgrades, non-compatible hardware, and application downtime. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing architecture or building IT infrastructure for a new business, HCI may be the solution you’ve been seeking. Below are several ways that HCI can be beneficial to your business.

Business Objectives

The main drivers behind most data system investments are to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and minimize costs. HCI may help your business achieve these goals, as it increases efficiency with a minimal disruption of business processes. Not only is it easy to implement, but HCI can also be brought online quickly to replace your existing architecture.

HCI will reduce the normal data storage risks by leveraging webscale concepts that distribute your data throughout multiple nodes to avoid having your data contained in a single storage appliance. Advanced software packages are also provided to help manage HCI systems. The user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) minimizes operating costs and reduces server downtime while providing granularity into the performance of the architecture.

Cost

The capital acquisition of HCI is on par with the costs experienced by traditional multi-tier architecture. Capabilities such as data reduction, integrated management and hybrid design make for a compelling and competitive Return on Investment (ROI). Problems inherent in traditional multi-tier architectures are minimized or rendered non-existent with HCI. The simplified infrastructure will require an agile engineering staff whose greatest strengths will be their ability to automate tasks throughout the HCI architecture.

Efficiencies

HCI increases efficiency since IT staff can troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly. The entire architecture is abstracted from the hardware via advanced software capabilities. This single pane approach integrates provisioning, metrics collection and troubleshooting to reduce typical man hour expense spent on routine tasks. With HCI, IT engineers can now focus on innovating and optimizing, instead of troubleshooting and problem resolution.

Training hours once focused on multi-tier architecture can now be redirected toward developing automation skills such as implementing Puppet, Chef or Kubernetes. These new skills can streamline operations and provide new capabilities such as cloud bursting which offers the most efficient use of on-premise architecture.

Compatibility

Switching to HCI means that compatibility may no longer be a concern if you select a vendor that offers pre-installed software. These pre-installed options have already gone through a rigorous compatibility testing process. You no longer have to review detailed Hardware Compatibility Lists (HCL), you are assured that nodes purchased today will work with nodes purchased in the future. Since all nodes are controlled with the same software package, deployment of new nodes through an auto discovery process becomes simple and seamless.

Risk

With HCI, you simply use the software to manage all aspects of deploying a new server when needed. If you require increased bandwidth, speed, or storage space of a virtual server, you can quickly do this with software instead of having to change hardware. HCI manufacturers also offer a variety of nodes that add additional compute, capacity or a combination of the two. Security, backup and data optimization is built-in, making your architecture safer and more efficient.

HCI and Sanity Solutions

Hyperconverged Infrastructure is the future of IT architecture. If your current multi-tier architecture has grown too large and too complex for you to manage effectively, or you’re building an infrastructure for your new business, it’s time to start researching how HCI can improve your business.

Sanity Solutions is a committed partner in HCI deployment and management. We specialize in crafting personalized solutions to your data management needs. Our highly-trained and certified architects will work with you to ensure your transition to HCI is cost effective, respects your data integrity and increases data availability, while providing extensive account support. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Sanity Solutions today – our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.