- What Is Server Consolidation?
- The practice was developed in response to "server sprawl," a situation in which multiple under-utilized servers take up more space and consume more resources than can be justified by their workload. [+] Read More
- The practice was developed in response to the problem of "server sprawl," a situation in which multiple under-utilized servers take up more space and consume more resources than can be justified by their workload.
Server consolidation is an approach to the efficient usage of computer server resources in order to reduce the total number of servers or server locations that an organization requires.
There are three main levels of server consolidation to consider:
Centralized Consolidation - Rather than maintaining servers at various branch offices, an organization moves all servers to a centralized location. This greatly simplifies maintenance duties for IT staff as they can immediately access all systems without traveling. This also simplifies security, backing up data and instituting an extensive failover plan.
Physical Consolidation - An organization reduces the total number of servers by merging the workload onto fewer servers. The new setup retains a homogeneous environment (runs on a single platform).
Operational Consolidation - Also known as virtualization or application consolidation, this approach runs multiple platforms and diverse applications on a single server (or cluster). This technique uses partitioning and virtualization to run many "virtual servers" on a single machine. This makes efficient use of system resources while minimizing upkeep tasks and TCO. Although the most complex option, Operational Consolidation can offer the greatest payoff.
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- What Server Consolidation Options Are Right for Me?
- A successful server consolidation plan should include an overall infrastructure blueprint that includes every server, PC, storage device and network element. CDW begins by taking a very detailed environmental profile, which includes the following "checklist: [+] Read More
- A successful server consolidation plan should include an overall infrastructure blueprint that includes every server, PC, storage device and network element. CDW begins by taking a very detailed environmental profile, which includes the following "checklist:"
• Gain understanding of business direction for IT and the needs driving consolidation.
• Gather server location and inventory data.
• Complete initial analysis of server environment.
• Identify consolidation candidates, keep them as simple as possible.
• Develop executive-level assessment report with potential return on investment (ROI).
• Analyze server and network performance.
• Determine server functions and network topology policies (Storage Networking Industry Association).
• Document interdependencies, LAN/WAN constraints, and security.
• Develop and document server consolidation plan.
• Document costs and expected total cost of ownership (TCO) and ROI.
• Develop application and data profiles.
• Review architecture and performance needs with application users.
• Analyze application functions, workload and transaction patterns.
• Determine plans for growth of functions and data.
• Develop recommended consolidation solution and a plan to get there, including best practices.
Your CDW team will use our Server Consolidation Calculator to generate customized ROI and TCO analyses to help you present a compelling business case to facilitate more meaningful internal budget discussions.
• View Sample TCO Analysis - PDF
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- What Are the Benefits of Server Consolidation?
- Many organizations are turning to server consolidation to reduce infrastructure complexity, improve system availability and save money. With increasingly powerful hardware, including affordable x86-based multi-core servers, organizations can run larger workloads and more applications on fewer servers. Reducing the number of servers has tangible benefits for the data center as well: [+] Read More
- Many organizations are turning to server consolidation to reduce infrastructure complexity, improve system availability and save money. With increasingly powerful hardware, including affordable x86-based multi-core servers, organizations can run larger workloads and more applications on fewer servers. Reducing the number of servers has tangible benefits for the data center as well:
Reduced Staff Costs - Fewer staff needed due to more efficient operations and improved skill sets.
Reduced Hardware and Equipment Needs - More efficient use of hardware minimizes investment in hardware and management tools.
Better Software Pricing - Fewer licenses may be required. Having a more consistent environment can provide better discounts due to concentrating on fewer applications purchased in larger quantities.
Minimized Facility Requirements - Less physical space is required for housing IT system components, and power consumption is typically reduced.
Better Service - With fewer applications and versions to support, IT staff will be more knowledgeable and handle help desk calls more efficiently.
Reduced Complexity - A simplified infrastructure will provide better performance and more stability.
Improved Scalability - A simplified network also provides a more flexible system that can grow as your needs evolve.
Easier Disaster Recovery - Fewer systems are easier to maintain, backup and restore.
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- How Can CDW Help Me Get Started?
- CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to server consolidation solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds: [+] Read More
- CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to server consolidation solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds.
Step 1: Engage Your Account Manager
Your CDW account manager and storage specialists will work with you to assess your current and future environment and deliver a solution that includes the right mix of hardware, software and services.
Step 2: Assess and Design
We begin by taking an environmental profile which includes what servers, storage devices and protocols you utilize in-house, what your storage and disaster recovery needs are, and Server Consolidation Assessment results. Based on this detailed study, CDW will provide a best-in-class solution.
Step 3: Implement
CDW takes a comprehensive approach to implementation, installation and integration. Working together, we will design detailed configurations for your future environment, drawing from our enormous in-stock inventory. We work with multiple providers to deliver a solution that fits seamlessly into your IT environment. We also offer complete software configuration and installation.
Step 4: Manage
CDW's commitment to your server consolidation solution continues long after your purchase. Certified technicians offer 24 x 7 telephone support for ongoing management needs, and you can always access online tech support through your My Account tab above. The My Account area also serves as a round-the-clock extension of your account manager: detailing your pricing, order status, account history and more.
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