What IT Infrastructure Transformation Means for Solution Providers

In short, hyperconvergence is infrastructure in a box. All the components that typically make up a network infrastructure, compute, storage, network, and virtualization are handled in a single vendor appliance. While this method simplifies management, reliance on a single vendor for hyperconverged systems can put some off. However, there is great potential to generate strong technology service offerings for solution providers.

Peripheral computing

Edge computing takes the processing of data-intensive applications away from the core of the data center to the edge of the network, where interactions with the cloud, mobile assets, and social media take place. This method will gain popularity as the Internet of Things (IoT) expands and exponentially increases the volume of data that, if handled under traditional models, would overwhelm servers and data centers . Solution providers interested in building an IoT practice give edge computing a serious look.

Software Defined Networks

Software Defined Networks (RDS) move many of the functions previously handled by individual hardware components , such as network switches or firewalls, into centralized applications that control traffic, balance load, and perform other tasks. The goal is to increase agility and create an environment that is more responsive to changing needs. Virtualization has played a critical role in making data centers software- centric . Network integrators and solution providers with experience in virtualization can find a path to new business in RDS.

Open computing

The Open Computing Project (OCP) is a collaboration between various IT stakeholders, including Facebook, Apple, Intel, Microsoft, and Cisco, to share ideas and work together to “co-develop the most efficient computing infrastructure possible, ”according to the project website. Solution providers should not take their eyes off project developments, due to their potential implications for the future of infrastructure management.

XaaS

XaaS stands for “everything as a service” and refers to the concept of turning any IT function into a consumable cloud-based service. This includes IaaS (infrastructure as a service), which transfers the data center and infrastructure functions from an on-premises environment to the cloud. IaaS is already a decent revenue stream for solution providers, and as more features are converted to the services model, more and more profit opportunities will emerge.

Some of these infrastructure trends can fizzle out while others can skyrocket, but in the end, no matter how the infrastructure evolves, it is up to providers to stay on top of developments and identify opportunities to grow their businesses.