visio

.  Create a diagram through the use of Microsoft Visio or an open source alternative such as Dia to illustrate how cloud and virtualization technology could align with the company’s business processes and assist with attainment of organizational goals. Note: The graphically depicted solution is not included in the required page length but must be included in the design document appendix.

Cloud Technology and Virtualization

“Project Deliverable 4: Cloud Technology and Virtualization”

Christopher Nevels

Dr. Darcel Ford

CIS 590

11-24-13

Cloud Technology and Virtualization

There are many reasons companies and organizations are investing in

server

virtualization. Some of the reasons are financially motivated, while others address technical concerns. Server virtualization conserves space through consolidation. It’s common practice to dedicate each server to a single application. If several applications only use a small amount of processing power, the network administrator can consolidate several machines into one server running multiple virtual environments. For companies that have hundreds or thousands of servers, the need for physical space can decrease significantly. Server virtualization provides a way for companies to practice redundancy without purchasing additional hardware. Redundancy refers to running the same application on multiple servers. It’s a safety measure — if a server fails for any reason, another server running the same application can take its place. This minimizes any interruption in service. It wouldn’t make sense to build two virtual servers performing the same application on the same physical server. If the physical server were to crash, both virtual servers would also fail. In most cases, network administrators will create redundant virtual servers on different physical machines. Virtual servers offer programmers isolated, independent systems in which they can test new applications or

operating systems

. Rather than buying a dedicated physical machine, the network administrator can create a virtual server on an existing machine. Because each virtual server is independent in relation to all the other servers, programmers can run software without worrying about affecting other applications (Strickland 2013).

Cloud computing is ideal for small companies, as it’s cost-effective, saves time and energy, and it allows for a high level of customization. According to Forbes, a 2009 study found that cloud computing could save up to 67% of the lifecycle cost for server deployment on a large scale. Another study found that using cloud solutions generally results in higher investment returns (when compared to an on-site system). There are further cost saving benefits, such as less need for expensive hardware and software, and no need for physical networks or IT maintenance. Also, cloud systems are usually ‘pay-as-you-go’, so you only pay for what you use. There are no upfront investments, and IT requirements can be easily budgeted for. Also, various cloud services can either be added or scaled back, depending on where your business is, and how much growth is taking place. The cloud is also highly customizable: you can select what platform you want, which payroll software to use, and what email marketing tools you require – all from different vendors, and all individually configurable (

K2 SEO

2013).

The cloud transition is redefining the value of the IT function and transforming the roles, objectives and purpose of the IT workforce. This transition requires new responsibilities and skills, including an increased focus on supplier management, business requirements and customer needs. It also requires organizational structures that align with a technology model in which systems, applications and data are now located in the cloud and, in many cases, are operated and managed by a third party. The rise of cloud may lead to reductions in staffing levels for in-house IT, especially for lower-value activities that are being commoditized by cloud. The move to the cloud, along with trends in social media and mobile computing, is also changing how entire businesses are organized, blurring geographic and physical boundaries. People can now operate as part of a cohesive unit while working from the field, from home, or from halfway around the world. Importantly, a cloud-based technology model also puts daily IT decision-making in the hands of end users, giving business leaders and managers more autonomy and influence over the systems, processes and data they use daily (Deloitte 2012). Employee engagement becomes even more important as cloud technology changes how we use IT. More information becomes available to employees lower in the organization, allowing these employees to have more ability to drive decision-making. The pace of business change demands more delegation of key decisions, and IT and finance must work together to provide the right information to key employees.

A dynamic business environment relies on a flexible and responsive IT infrastructure to deliver cost-effective, reliable, and secure access to services in order to create and maintain competitive advantage. Use of virtualization technologies provides many of these benefits and with application workloads operating in a virtualized IT environment, the business value of virtualization technologies has been proven across all industries. Converging IT infrastructure and creating an adaptable technology environment able to support a variety of workloads is one of the best ways to overcome many of these challenges. Built on HP best practices and industry standards, the new HP Virtual System VS3 for VMware provides a flexible, efficient, and reliable application deployment platform on HP Converged Infrastructure, optimized and integrated for a scalable virtualized environment and an open on-ramp to the cloud. HP Virtual System VS3 for VMware 2.2 is a turnkey system of hardware, software, and services, optimized for virtualized and cloud application workloads to deliver fast, low risk deployment. The system is based on a common technology platform that provides extensive configuration flexibility across compute and storage components in order to meet a broad spectrum of your requirements. The system is based on a common architecture of HP Converged Infrastructure that delivers new levels of flexibility in the configuration of compute and storage components. Expansion is made easy by simply scaling out the system with additional compute and storage nodes as your needs arise. HP Virtual System VS3 for VMware 2.2 is built on the latest HP Converged Infrastructure and VMware components pre-integrated in the HP factory based on extensively tested configuration guidelines by HP Factory Express. Included installation and start services quickly get the system up and running to peak performance, reducing the risk of disruption to the existing environment. HP Virtual System VS3 for VMware extends to the cloud with a clear upgrade path to HP Matrix Operating Environment (MOE) or to the VMware vCloud Suite. It can optionally be ordered with vCloud Suite for immediate support of VMware-based cloud deployments. HP 3PAR StoreServ storage and software platforms support multiple levels of integration with vSphere, providing a doubling of VM density to improve performance and scalability. Thin provisioning features reduce capacity requirements up to 50%. HP Insight Control for VMware vCenter Server integrates the manageability features of HP Converged Infrastructure products into the VMware vCenter management and monitoring console. This combination provides administrators increased control and insight, inclusive of the HP VirtualSystem VS3 for VMware, from a single pane of glass. HP Virtual Connect together with HP’s Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) enables flatter, low-latency networks, resulting in up to 39% faster transfer times for VMs using VMware vMotion. Personalized and Proactive–HP offers Proactive Care with Personalized Support Option and Proactive Select to support the complete solution, including HP hardware, software and VMware software. The Personalized Support Option creates a tailored support experience through the assignment of an Account Services Manager (HP 2013).

References

Satzinger, J.W., Jackson, R., & Burd, S.D. (2009). Systems analysis and design in a changing world (5th ed.). Cengage Learning / Course Technology.

Shelly, Rosenblatt. (2012). Systems Analysis and Design (9th ed.). Boston: Thomson Course Technology.

Lane, D. (2011). The chief information officer’s body of knowledge. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Stenzel, J. (2011). CIO best practices (2nd ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Jonathan Strickland

(2013). How Stuff Works. Retrieved from:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/server-virtualization1.htm

K2 SEO (2013). Why SMEs Should Use Cloud Technology. Retrieved from:

http://www.k2seo.com/why-smes-should-use-cloud-technology/

Deloitte (2012). Human Capital: A ready partner in the Cloud. Retrieved from:

http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/us_consulting_HCPartnerintheCloud_050212

HP (2013). Virtualization to the cloud. Retrieved from: http://h20195.www2.hp.com/V2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA3-6558ENW

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