Software Defined Data Centers and the Benefits

Posted by Sarah Wayne on January 27th, 2017

Out with the old and in with the new. Many companies are moving away from traditional hardware-based data centres of yesteryear and all of the limitations that go with them, and on to software-defined data centres. But why? What is this mysterious new development? And why is it making such an impact on our organisations?

The data storage tool known as a software-defined data centre (SDDC) allows infrastructure to be virtualized and delivered as a service. They serve as a step forward in IT systems and have been hailed a valuable addition to both virtualization and cloud computing.

What separates SDDC's from conventional data centres is the fact that all aspects of the infrastructure are controlled through software, with software intelligence technology being responsible for hardware configuration maintenance.

The SDDC has three important components central to its make-up. The first component is network virtualization. Network virtualization is the method which manages the whole network as one administrative body through a lone software-based location. Network virtualization aims to enhance network productivity and efficiency. It considers all servers and services as one resource pool that may be delved into without paying attention to its physical elements. The second component of SDDC is storage virtualization, or 'cloud storage',which is the rounding-up of physical storage from numerous network devices, to appear as just one storage device. The third component is server virtualization. Server virtualization is a process aided by virtualization software. The term relates to the breaking-down of one physical server into multiple smaller virtual servers. Each of these virtual servers runs several operating systems concurrently.

One of the benefits of incorporating SDDC is that there is no hardware dependency. SDDC'c are virtualized systems. This means that they could potentially eliminate the expense of training to learn how to use highly specialised hardware systems. In addition, IT departments will be available to direct their efforts towards innovative ideas that will benefit their company.

Software defined data centers are easy to manage.Say no to endlessly complicated tools, apps and software that need managing. The SDDC serves as a one-stop shop, allowing many of our data related tasks to be performed from one place, with the touch of a button. The automated aspect of SDDC's, combined with the software-based control allow for improved speed when it comes to the efficiency and reliability aspects of distributing technology services.

By incorporating a well organised SDDC into your business, you are set to widen the usage of an automated system across all IT services, vastly reducing complexity, since you can now implement a standard for services to be performed in a methodical, replicable manner.

Until now, organisations have had to design their working strategies around what works for the hardware they are using. Moving over to a software-based system allows companies to switch those strategies over to something that works for the business, as oppose to the hardware limitations.