Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) is a software-defined IT infrastructure that virtualizes all elements of traditional “hardware-defined” systems. In simpler terms, it combines the entire data center stack, including compute, storage, storage networking, and virtualization, into a single solution.
HCI eliminates the need for complex and expensive legacy infrastructure by using commodity server hardware with locally attached storage devices supported by a distributed software layer. Each server, also known as a node, includes x86 processors with SSDs and HDDs. Software running on each node distributes all operational functions across the cluster, providing excellent performance and resilience.
With HCI, organizations can precisely size their workloads and flexibly scale them as needed. It’s typically run on commodity off-the-shelf servers (COTS) and can include virtualized computing (hypervisor), software-defined storage, and virtualized networking.
FAQs about Hyperconverged Infrastructure
What is the benefit of HCI?
HCI simplifies data center management by combining all components into one solution and allows for precise sizing of workloads while providing the flexibility to scale as necessary.
What are the advantages of using locally attached storage devices?
Locally attached storage devices provide faster data access and better performance compared to traditional storage options.
Is HCI only for large businesses?
No, HCI is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can benefit from its simplicity and scalability while larger businesses can take advantage of its ability to handle large workloads.
Final Thoughts
Hyperconverged Infrastructure is a technology that simplifies data center management, provides optimized performance, and improves scalability. It’s suitable for businesses of any size and eliminates the need for complex legacy infrastructure. HCI is definitely worth considering for any business looking to optimize its IT infrastructure.
