There has been a lot written recently about software-defined computing technologies—from software-defined networking to storage. The move to software-defined everything (SDE) is a growing trend among companies large and small but there are still some questions about what SDE really is and how it helps enterprises.
Through software-defined everything, computing infrastructures are virtualized and delivered as a service. Networking, storage or data center services are automated by programmable software instead of hardware. Software-defined networking, software-defined data center and software-defined storage are some of the technologies under the SDE umbrella.
SDE can provide real benefits for enterprises beyond just cost efficiencies. Below are three ways SDE can help enterprises improve their IT operations:
Tune all components for best value and performance – Without SDE, enterprises need to buy new hardware to scale operations – creating a revolving cycle of investments in servers, storage, etc. Scaling operations in an SDE world means tuning software rather than hardware. Additionally, software-based solutions tend to work better together than having to integrate disparate hardware systems.
Experiment with new architectures – For example, SDE lets enterprises place web servers near users in different countries or regions to keep the data base servers near the company headquarters.
Lower barriers to cloud adoption – SDE eases some of the most prevalent cloud adoption barriers: network performance and security. With software-defined networking, customers can tune networks easier and network performance can be matched to workloads. This can be critical for seasonal applications or occasional high network performance.
SDE is the best of both worlds; where cost meets business agility. Enterprises that choose to embrace an SDE strategy can see tangible benefits and prepare their organization for future innovation and improved customer service.
