Benefits of Future-Proofing with Software-Defined Data Centers
In this ever-changing technological world, companies are looking for agile solutions. They want to be able to improve time to market or time to value without the traditional process of procure, stage, build, configure and deploy new hardware platforms for each new feature or service necessary to drive their business.
Whether it’s for a technology refresh, cloud initiative, individual application or service-based upgrade, there are many reasons companies are turning to future-proofing with software-defined data centers. Future-proofing with SDDCs makes it easier to upgrade software and make beneficial changes without touching the physical infrastructure.
Through future proofing, software-defined data centers can reduce costs, increase efficiency, and bolster cybersecurity measures. So whether you’re already integrating a software-defined data center or interested in future-proofing, this article is for you.
WHAT IS A SOFTWARE-DEFINED DATA CENTER?
A software-defined data center (SDDC) is an approach to data center design in a virtual environment where software defines resource allocation, performance evaluation, and optimal use case outcomes.
With expert guidance, companies can leverage SDDC solutions faster than traditional procurement models. As a result, this approach allows for a more flexible, scalable and agile data center infrastructure better suited to meet modern business demands.
BENEFITS OF SOFTWARE-DEFINED DATA CENTERS
INCREASED SCALABILITY
An SDDC architecture provides a more scalable and flexible infrastructure than traditional data centers. IT teams can quickly scale up or down the resources as business needs change. For example, if IT notices that a web server’s performance is having issues or running slowly, they can scale the server’s capabilities in minutes.
In the past, it would take days or weeks to get new servers and configure them into the system. An SDDC allows companies to scale gradually and quickly when needed instead of waiting and working through potential delays, which can improve overall productivity and save money.
GREATER EFFICIENCY
An SDDC allows for centralized management of multiple virtual environments, which improves IT operations. By automating complex tasks, businesses can reduce the risk of human error and minimize downtime.
Utilization is crucial because it drives resource usage, and physical devices often have low utilization. In the past, physical devices were often used at less than twenty percent capacity, resulting in limited value for the dollars spent. SDDCs facilitate higher utilization which ensures better performance and work output from hardware, reducing overall spend.
COST SAVINGS
Before SDDCs, companies had to heavily invest upfront to create an efficient infrastructure. They had to think about the cost of entry and the cost to scale. By consolidating multiple workloads onto a single platform, businesses can reduce their hardware and software costs.
Additionally, automation and effective resource allocation can significantly reduce the time and effort required to manage the infrastructure, which leads to additional cost savings. Businesses can also test solutions and implement them quicker and easier than ever with an SDDC infrastructure.
IMPROVED AGILITY
With an SDDC, IT teams can deploy new resources, reconfigure existing ones, and optimize workloads to meet business needs. This enables businesses to respond more quickly to changing market demands. Patch management is also easier to accomplish at scale with an SDDC environment. As a result, companies can continue normal operations during patch management and technological upgrades.
In addition, SDDCs can provide automated deployment and management for many core functions. For example, IT teams can effortlessly create and integrate scripts, policies, profiles, or rules based on the performance of a running application.
ENHANCED SECURITY
Another advantage of SDDCs is the increased level of security provided. With the ability to monitor virtually every network transaction, SDDCs give security teams much greater visibility and control over the network. This helps to minimize the risk of cyberattacks or unauthorized access to sensitive data. By adopting an SDDC approach with the guidance of experts, companies can achieve greater agility, efficiency, scalability, and, ultimately, a better user experience.
Marcum has assisted many businesses in establishing secure and effective SDDCs by analyzing workloads, evaluating infrastructures, determining which pieces to migrate, and providing tailored recommendations. We expertly weave cloud and on-premise resources for a synergistic combination that fits your particular needs.
Moving Towards Software-Defined Data Centers
Creating a software-defined data center can be a challenging process for businesses. One significant challenge is the integration of different software-defined components, such as networking and storage, in an SDDC environment. In addition, compatibility between these components can be an issue, leading to potential difficulties in optimizing performance and achieving optimal results.
SDDCs require a detailed approach that addresses compatibility issues, optimization challenges, and potential performance problems. To succeed, businesses should leverage a specialized team of experts with in-depth knowledge of software-defined networking, storage, and data center architecture.
At Marcum Technology, we help you leverage existing assets for optimal utilization while also assessing the cost of an SDDC implementation. Let us strategically map your goals and seamlessly integrate an SDDC infrastructure for your organization.
Contact Marcum Technology today so we can conduct a gap analysis and maximize your software-defined data center strategy.
