The Software-Defined Data Center and the Transformation of IT

In a previous post, we discussed how the software-defined data center (SDDC) represents the logical next step for virtualization and cloud computing. The entire infrastructure in a SDDC, including compute, storage, networking and security, are virtualized, pooled, aggregated and delivered as software. Management, provisioning and configuration of the infrastructure and applications are automated using policy-based software systems.

When the entire SDDC infrastructure is virtualized, organizations are able to keep up with the pace of business by deploying applications and bringing products to market more quickly while lowering costs and optimizing the use of IT infrastructure and personnel.

Leveraging the ITaaS Model

By leveraging intelligent, policy-driven automation and aligning IT priorities with business priorities, the SDDC can help drive the digital transformation of IT from technology caretaker to strategic partner and provider of business services. This is the IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS) delivery model.

ITaaS built on a SDDC foundation automates the provisioning and deployment of applications and services to create an on-demand, self-service platform for users, which makes life easier for both IT and the organization as a whole. IT sets policies and monitors the environment instead of responding to individual requests from users, simplifying IT processes to improve business agility and reduce capital and operational costs.

SDDC-based ITaas is Important

An IDG survey revealed that 76% of enterprises believe SDDC-based ITaaS is critical or very important to their success.

This research also identified four key trends:

• Organizational structure, especially the role of IT, must change. With ITaaS, IT is directly tied to the development and implementation of innovative services and solutions that drive revenue and improve productivity and operational efficiency. As a result, IT needs a seat at the table with sales, marketing, business development, human resources, finance and other departments that shape an organization’s business strategy.

• C-suite buy-in is critical. SDDC and ITaaS require a completely different mindset and approach to how IT is delivered and managed. The willingness to change must begin at the executive level.

• IT Infrastructure (ITIL) and IT Service Management (ITSM) must be recalibrated. Smooth ITaaS implementation requires a full assessment and clear understanding of IT capabilities, protocols and metrics to ensure alignment with business strategy.

• Core architecture must be redefined. SDDC makes it possible for IT to create standardized systems and define the core architecture that will deliver both internal and third-party services to users.

Future SDDC Growth & Adoption

Because both SDDC represents a new approach to data center design and management, adoption has been relatively low. However, the pace of adoption is expected to increase sharply during the next five years as organizations develop a better understanding of the true cost of SDDC and become more confident about leveraging SDDC to meet their desired IT and business goals.

According to ReportsnReports, the SDDC market is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 28.8 percent, increasing from $21.73 billion in 2015 to $77.18 billion in 2020.

Technologent has developed a practice focused on software-defined technologies as well as a test bed where customers can get a feel for these solutions.

Let us help you evaluate the options and develop a strategy for moving toward the SDDC.