In parts one, two, and three of this article, we provided a brief overview of the CA Technologies virtualization maturity lifecycle, and focused on the server consolidation, infrastructure optimization, and automation & orchestration stages of the lifecycle. The capabilities described in each of those stages provide an essential foundation for a dynamic datacenter, which is an IT environment that not only supports the business but, at times, is part of the product delivered by the business. It is an agile IT environment, built on top of an optimized and automated virtual infrastructure, that is:
The dynamic data center is neither a one-size-fits-all solution, nor an endless pit where CIOs should invest money and resources to obtain capabilities not needed for their business. However, IT organizations trying to build a dynamic data center face some fundamental challenges such as:
Delivering a standard set of tiered-services (with well defined SLAs) that are consumable by business users.
Service oriented automation and orchestration that spans heterogeneous physical, virtual and cloud environments.
Ensuring security, compliance and QoS for the entire service.
Providing a comprehensive service interface that serves as a visual communication tool between IT and the business.
The following section summarizes the basic tasks and capabilities required to build and maintain a dynamic data center that allows IT departments to serve as an agile service provider and drive competitive differentiation for the business.
Following is a high-level project plan for a sample scenario that would be part of achieving a dynamic data center. The timelines and tasks mentioned in Table 1 present a broad outline for a mid-tier IT project that is focused on supporting expanding business initiatives with agility. Forward Inc has identified a lucrative opportunity in offering one of its internal services (e.g. billing, shipping, order management, Electronic Medical Records, etc.) to a host of new local and international partners. This would not only allow Forward Inc to profit from its IT investments, but also provide valuable services to its partners - thus helping improve partner retention / expansion.
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- Service oriented: Delivering on-demand, standardized services to the business (internal customers, partners, etc).
- Scalable: With the ability to span heterogeneous physical, virtual and cloud environments.
- Secure: Providing security as a service to internal / external customers.
Agility Made Possible
The dynamic data center is neither a one-size-fits-all solution, nor an endless pit where CIOs should invest money and resources to obtain capabilities not needed for their business. However, IT organizations trying to build a dynamic data center face some fundamental challenges such as:
Delivering a standard set of tiered-services (with well defined SLAs) that are consumable by business users.
Service oriented automation and orchestration that spans heterogeneous physical, virtual and cloud environments.
Ensuring security, compliance and QoS for the entire service.
Providing a comprehensive service interface that serves as a visual communication tool between IT and the business.
The following section summarizes the basic tasks and capabilities required to build and maintain a dynamic data center that allows IT departments to serve as an agile service provider and drive competitive differentiation for the business.
Project Plan
Following is a high-level project plan for a sample scenario that would be part of achieving a dynamic data center. The timelines and tasks mentioned in Table 1 present a broad outline for a mid-tier IT project that is focused on supporting expanding business initiatives with agility. Forward Inc has identified a lucrative opportunity in offering one of its internal services (e.g. billing, shipping, order management, Electronic Medical Records, etc.) to a host of new local and international partners. This would not only allow Forward Inc to profit from its IT investments, but also provide valuable services to its partners - thus helping improve partner retention / expansion.
Read more: .NET Journal