Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI)

There are always a large number of technological reforms and upgrades every year to simplify the work and lifestyle of individuals and enterprises. Sometimes, large-scale changes can also affect data processing centers.

If, more than a decade ago, data center managers used the traditional infrastructure that everyone was familiar with, then in recent years, there has been a tremendous change in this area. These changes include balancing speed and availability,Software-defined network(software-defined network, SDN),a new type of distributed information technology architecture, edge computing(edge computing),Fifth Generation Mobile CommunicationandArtificial Intelligenceetc.

These changes in technology alsomeans a major shift in the way data centers operateHowever, the most important thing is that qualified experts are needed to use these technologies, which means that the requirements for data center managers are also higher. They must be able to and know how to use these innovative solutions and explore and customize them.

Hyperconverged infrastructureArchitecture (Hyperconverged Infrastructure, HCI)

Hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) is a distributed infrastructure platform,It integrates all IT resources such as computing, storage, networking, and security into a general x86 server, achieves modular horizontal expansion through network connections and distributed architecture, and eliminates the fragmentation of IT resource management with a unified management platform, improving storage and expansion performance while significantly reducing operational complexity.

Hyperconverged infrastructure is composed of standard components: servers running on x86 architecture, software for creating, running, and managing virtual machines, as well as special software required for management.

The advantage of hyperconverged data centers lies in the fact that if users need more processing power, they can easily expand the process. All that needs to be done is to add some additional boxes, depending on the scale of expansion that users need to achieve. Therefore,Every organization has a great opportunity to improve the data processing center of HCI

Data shows that the demand for creating such data centers is growing rapidly. Three years ago, the global market value of such products and services was estimated to exceed 6 billion US dollars. Five years later, its value is expected to exceed 22 billion US dollars. Companies now must cut information technology expenses, accelerate the construction of data centers significantly, to manage a large number of businesses, and achieve rapid development.

Converged Infrastructure (CI)

Before the introduction of this upgraded infrastructure, there was a converged infrastructure. It includes pre-fabricated equipment and programs that professionals can purchase and install independently. In short, it is like an IKEA baby bed. Users will receive a set of ready-made components, and they can obtain the final product by simply combining these components. That is to say,Users will receive interoperable components, so they no longer need to search for suppliers for each component to assemble everything they need.

Hyperconverged infrastructure is a more advanced CI. This infrastructure already includes all the necessary components that users can use. Simply put, if CI is the IKEA baby bed that needs to be assembled, then HCI is the pre-packaged meal that only needs to be heated.

If users use similar infrastructure in data centers, they can simply order more infrastructure units to increase capacity. The ease and simplicity of scalability allow enterprises to increase data processing capacity and quickly adapt to new business needs.

HCI的HCI'sKey

AdvantagesScalability is the most important advantage of HCI

. However, this is not all the functions that this infrastructure can provide:

Low-cost hyperconverged infrastructure units

In addition, if needed, or if difficulties are encountered in installation and updates, it is only necessary to seek technical assistance from a single supplier instead of collaborating with many different suppliers.

Remote control

Infrastructure components are treated as services in software-defined data centers. They can be remotely managed and configured, which greatly facilitates the work of administrators. At any time during the day or night, administrators can quickly reduce or increase storage and memory, adjust computing power, and all other necessary resources. This means that administrators will be able to update all the resources used as needed.

Achieve the highest efficiency for all processes

All infrastructure resources used are combined into clusters. If users need more memory for specific processes or applications, or need more storage capacity and computing power, they can quickly identify those resources that have not yet been used to provide the required content. Through unified management, administrators can quickly find these resources, aggregate them, and use them for process or application execution when needed.

Centralized management

Users can manage all processes with a single console. Both local and remote clusters can be centrally managed on a single platform, thus greatly simplifying the entire management process.

Enterprises operating in the IT field have the opportunity to reduce the cost of their IT department and increase their productivity. Since they do not need to consider how to deploy systems, integrate systems, or maintain each component separately, as well as address other issues related to the management center, the work of IT professionals will be more convenient and easier.

With HIC, enterprises will not need to expand their workforce or hire expensive consultants. If there are 'generalist' employees, they will be able to complete most of the work without assistance.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to implementing hyperconverged infrastructure in data centers. First and most importantlyThe speed and ease of expansion, which meansLower cost expenditure. In addition,All processes can be remotely controlled using a single consoleHigh performance for all processes can be achieved quickly if necessary.