What is Defined Software and how does it change things?
The term Defined Software refers to a category of products characterised by the priority of the software rather than the hardware in the solution provision. Conceptually, it represents a considerable step forward compared to the past, when the functionalities of data centre infrastructure grew according to hardware implementations, in a context where the role of the software was marginal.
This scenario has evolved into one which features totally different methods of managing and optimising performance. Numerous vendors have embraced this approach over time, adding to the success of a solution based on the ability to render abstract all that regards the management and administration of technology. This has become possible thanks to the automation of network flexibility, servers and storage (the situation changes according to what is required by current circumstances).
Characteristics of a true Defined Software infrastructure
In order for an infrastructure to be identified as Defined Software it is essential that all the hardware be considered a real commodity. In this context, the software must assume a central role from the point of view of both functionality and size.
Among other obligatory features we can also include the automation of resources and functionalities and the ability to carry out predictive configurations such as workload checks. For it to be considered Defined Software, all this must not require any intervention on the part of system administrators.
What are Defined Software Data Centres?
The concept of the Defined Software Data Centre, a system for managing the aspects of data storage based on the virtualisation of the various infrastructural components (in other words, servers, storage and CPUs) is crucial. All this is made available in ‘as a service’ modality. It is therefore an environment in which, everything from operability to supply is managed by the software, releasing each step from the hardware.
This approach is gaining appeal in the business world. Surveys have revealed a market which, by the year 2021, is expected to reach and even exceed 80 billion dollars. As far as this growth trend is concerned, it should be noted that, since 2016, annual growth rates of almost 30% have been recorded.
In order to grasp this concept, it is important not only to be aware of these details but also to have a clear understanding that Software Defined Data Centres go well beyond the minimisation of infrastructural features in workload management. In fact, the system in question also provides predictive models of potential risks, such as the total flux inside individual data centres and information on possible decreases.
What is Defined Storage Software and Defined Networking Software?
The logic that we are exploring has led to development of the concepts of Defined Software Storage and Defined Networking Software. The first is becoming more and more interesting to companies due to the growth in the quantity of de-structured data which, in order to be stored, would require exceptional effort to be made in the construction of scale out architectures.
Software Defined Networking (SDN) on the other hand, means that a network administrator can manage all the traffic from a centralised console without the physical use of any single switch. From this central point, network services can also be released whenever they are requested, regardless of the connections between server and device. By using the same software, it is possible to change the roles of the various switches and block them when necessary.
Translated by Joanne Beckwith
