Hyperconvergence is an IT infrastructure approach that unites computing, storage, and networking in a single system to gain benefits like scalability and a reduction in complexity. It is composed of a hypervisor to handle virtualized computing, virtualized networking, and software-defined storage.
Hyperconvergence utilizes standard servers and uses multiple nodes to cluster and share storage and compute resources, making it a streamlined approach to consumption. The result is a more flexible and simple infrastructure for management compared to traditional storage infrastructures. Many IT executives prefer hyperconvergence for its ability to control hardware on-premise, while gaining much of the agility offered in a public cloud option.
What’s the Difference Between Hyperconvergence and Converged Infrastructure? The main distinction when comparing converged infrastructure with hyperconvergence is that hyperconvergence offers more opportunities for automation and more extensive levels of abstraction when compared with converged infrastructure.
In a converged infrastructure, the storage, network, and compute are discrete elements and can be separated, even as the package is sold in a single system to simplify management. In the case of hyperconvergence, the components aren’t able to be separated because of the virtual overlay and integration into the hypervisor. This construction equips companies to expand capacity through additional modules.
Benefits and Drawbacks: The major benefits of investing in hyperconverged infrastructure include the simplicity and flexibility gained when compared to a legacy system. It can be managed as a single system, with servers, storage and networking components all integrated for a simplified strategy.
The result is better ease of use and increased scalability and efficiency, an especially attractive advantage for small companies expected to grow. There is also the possibility of cost savings in areas like power and data center space, IT labor, and the ability to avoid buying licensed software such as disaster recovery solutions.
There are a few drawbacks, with the most significant being the commitment to a fully-integrated system that has been purchased. You don’t have the flexibility to upgrade any particular component, so if you find that you need more storage, you may also be forced to buy a more powerful CPU. The reality may find you shifting costs rather than reducing them, and your investment in hyperconverged infrastructure can limit the ability to utilize your existing hardware.
Hyperconvergence or Cloud? Both hyperconvergence and the cloud use a software-defined approach to pool virtualized resources, so what is the difference? Essentially, private and public clouds add a layer of abstraction between the solution and the compute resources. There’s a wide variety of hardware and software potentially supplying resources behind the scenes.
Hyperconvergence eases management by providing standardized and unified services, making it easy to deploy, manage, and maintain infrastructure to meet the company’s needs. It is limited in its ability to easily scale up and down in real time when compared to cloud infrastructure.If your company is considering hyperconvergence for simplifying your data center, contact us at eXemplify. We can walk you through a comparison between hyperconvergence, converged infrastructure, and cloud alternatives to assist you in selecting an investment that matches your business priorities.