Break down the challenges, benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure

Introduction

In any IT organization, an ultimate goal is simplicity. So it's not surprising that hyper-converged infrastructure -- which, at its core, combines networking, storage and compute into a single package -- has a wide appeal among IT pros.

Although it's tempting to hop on the hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) bandwagon, investigate all of your options before adopting an HCI system. There are many benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure, but there are drawbacks too, and the technology isn't a good fit for every workload. In some cases, converged infrastructure (CI) is a better option -- it all depends on your needs. Use this guide to weigh the pros and cons of hyper-converged infrastructure, and to learn best practices for adoption.

If you do decide to take the next step with hyper-converged infrastructure, it's crucial to implement it correctly. Understand how to properly manage the system to take full advantage of its benefits. After fully exploring the ins and outs of hyper-converged infrastructure, you may be able to deliver greater value to your organization.

1HCI pros and cons-

Understand the benefits, limitations of hyper-converged infrastructure

One of hyper-converged infrastructure's most heavily-touted benefits, simplicity, extends to different aspects of IT. For example, hyper-convergence can simplify staffing and IT organization, as well as VDI planning and storage. Explore the specific benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure, but also be aware of its shortcomings. Recognize when it makes sense to implement the technology, and when it will create more problems than solutions.

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Flexible pricing models boost HCI enterprise appeal

To keep up with a competitive market, some HCI vendors have introduced cloud-like, pay-as-you-go pricing, as well as new container features. Learn how to take advantage of this new approach to hyper-converged. Continue Reading

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Simplify IT management, organization with hyper-converged infrastructure

All IT organizations strive for simplicity. Hyper-converged infrastructure achieves that goal by breaking down silos, supporting private and hybrid clouds and using policy-based virtualization management. Continue Reading

Photo Story

Hyper-converged streamlines VDI planning, storage

It can be complicated to plan for IT infrastructure that supports VDI. With the easy removal and addition of nodes, hyper-converged infrastructure helps solve the problems of VDI planning and storage. Continue Reading

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With hyper-converged infrastructure, IT inches closer to centralized management

Hyper-converged infrastructure provides admins with a single management display, making it easier to interpret data about IT infrastructure from a single location. But according to some experts, reaping the benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure goes deeper than management. Continue Reading

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Weigh the benefits of hyper-convergence vs. a series of blade servers

Hyper-converged infrastructure systems and a series of blade servers both simplify IT management through more condensed compute. But hyper-converged infrastructure can take those benefits even further, pooling storage and other resources together and using a software-defined model to increase automation and configuration options. Continue Reading

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Why not all workloads are right for hyper-converged infrastructure

Hyper-converged infrastructure isn't right for every workload. For example, be careful when you implement HCI for some cloud and online transaction processing applications. VDI and ROBO projects, on the other hand, work well with hyper-converged technologies. Continue Reading

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The difference between hyper-converged infrastructure and converged infrastructure

Both converged and hyper-converged systems condense compute, storage and networking into a single chassis and break down data center silos -- so how do they differ? There are key architectural differences between the two technologies. For example, one of the benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure is that it allows users to add nodes of compute and storage as needed, increasing flexibility. But CI still has its strengths, and likely won't disappear from the data center anytime soon.

3Sidestep HCI issues-

Overcome hyper-converged infrastructure implementation, management challenges

Though one of the end goals of hyper-converged infrastructure is simplicity, implementation of a new system can be anything but simple. Find ways to ease the process, which includes choosing the right hardware and carefully replacing legacy systems. Once you've implemented the technology, ensure you manage it correctly to reap the benefits of hyper-converged infrastructure -- which can include capitalizing on certain components that pave the way toward software-defined data centers (SDDCs).

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Hyper-converged terms to know

Before you make a decision about hyper-convergence, it's important to understand the terminology.