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CONVERGED INFRASTRUCTURES
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To infinity and beyond
Hyper-converged combines the server and storage so they act as a single entity . These are designed as clusters of machines , and as and when the need arises new servers can be introduced to increase the compute required to undertake the processes and services needed . With the convergence of the machines , software is introduced to manage the network and creates a Software Defined Network ( SDN ) solution .
The perception of converged infrastructure is completely different from the vantage point of vendors delivering ‘ smart technology ’ for the next generation of buildings not within the data centre space . From this perspective , the vendors are looking to merge individual standalone systems in larger integrated systems , making cleverer systems leveraging the investments designed to create synergy within the total solution . This ultimately gives the end client a better user experience and , a faster return on investment .
This is being achieved by collaboration between vendors , with companies creating API ’ s ( Application Program Interface ) and SDK ’ s ( Software Development Kits ). API ’ s are software applications that allow software to be made within set structures with known protocols , making software from vendor to vendor interact without compatibility issues . SDK ’ s are development tools used to build applications .
To this end , you now have partner programmes where vendors are happy to freely issue a library of tools giving access to sample code , alongside documentation covering the software structures used and supported .
As soon as stakeholders buy into the value added benefits of synergy by integrating their infrastructure , the floodgates open – what can be integrated ? What can we leverage ? Can we accelerate ROI ? Can we use the technology to save money ? And the answer is always positive .
One infrastructure that ’ s being leveraged from a multitude of angles is structured cabling . With all BMS converging onto this uniformed wiring and the delivery of power to devices over PoE , an explosion of technology has emerged on the market . These technologies are utilised and seen by the end-users , and have created a new phrase – Internet of Things ( IoT ). But IoT is a converged infrastructure , right ?
Emergence of smart buildings We ’ re now seeing this smart and converged technology being packaged as smart buildings . These are buildings that genuinely interact with the occupants through the convergence of multi vendors and disciplines to create a seamless , unified system . Offices are now coming on-line that are issuing one swipe card for an employee . Through this single card the building knows that you are in the building , assigns you a desk for the day and through an integrated app sends an email to your smart phone informing you of the location of your workstation for the day . This same card can be used to access a locker for your attire , and another lock that you can access stationary and office supplies . Come lunch , this card is also used in a cashless canteen area .
You get to the workstation and start up the laptop . As you authenticate onto the network , the BYOD provisioning implemented with the building ensures that you have access to all business critical applications you require to undertake your daily tasks . The lighting above the desk will detect your mobile phone as soon as you place it on the desk and turns the light on , well not just on , but on to your pre-defined profile settings .
Then at the end of the day , you guessed it , the building knows that you ’ ve left as you swipe out and the desk area automatically powers down of any business services that have been accidentally left on . The intelligent networks running these buildings like ground rules . Any communal areas are given set parameters to offer service , and once these are relinquished then its lights out , literally .
Reaping the benefits Organisations with large mobile workforces can take advantage of technology to design the workplace for function , knowing that the service will be delivered based on the person in need , instead of a set workspace .
Converged infrastructures , from whatever angle you look at it , is all about the merging of independent and individual parts to create larger , more efficient and effective solutions offering synergy . Connected we are – we ’ re all on a journey to infinity and beyond , so hold on and enjoy the ride . n
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