Hyper-Converged Infrastructure, Windows Systems and Network
Article | July 11, 2023
Streamlining operations and maximizing efficiency: Choose the right tools for managing and orchestrating hyper-converged infrastructure to unlock its full potential with Hyperconverged solutions.
Managing and orchestrating hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) is critical to modern IT operations. With the growing adoption of HCI solutions, choosing the right tools for management and orchestration is essential for organizations to optimize their infrastructure and ensure seamless operations. In this article, we will delve into the factors to consider when selecting Hyper-Converged tools for management and orchestration and explore some of the top options available in the market.
1. Symcloud Orchestrator
The Symcloud platform is a webscale solution designed for metal-service automation and orchestration in telecommunications. It enables the automation and management of various network components, including RAN (Radio Access Network), packet core, and MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing). With Symcloud, businesses can centrally manage large numbers of CNF (Cloud-Native Function) and VNF (Virtual Network function) capable Kubernetes clusters on a single Kubernetes platform. The platform allows for rapid deployment of the entire solution stack in minutes, supporting edge, far edge, and core data centers. Symcloud provides advanced monitoring, planning, and healing capabilities, enabling users to view hardware, software, services, and connectivity dependencies. The architecture of Symcloud Orchestrator combines app-aware storage, virtual networking, and application workflow automation on Kubernetes. Symcloud Storage provides advanced storage and data management capabilities for Kubernetes distributions, seamlessly integrating with native administrative tooling. Symcloud Platform is a Kubernetes infrastructure that supports containers and virtual machines, offering superior performance, features, and flexibility.
2. Morpheus
Morpheus Data is a comprehensive hybrid cloud management platform that empowers enterprises to manage and modernize their applications while reducing costs and improving efficiency. With Morpheus, businesses can quickly enable on-premises private clouds, centralize access to public clouds, and orchestrate changes with advanced features like cost analytics, governance policies, and automation. It provides a unified view of virtual machines, clouds, containers, and applications in a single location, regardless of the private or public cloud environment. Morpheus offers responsive support from an expert team and features an extensible design. It helps centralize platforms, create private clouds, manage public clouds, and streamline Kubernetes deployments. This tool also enables compliance assurance through simplified authentication, access controls, policies, and security management. By automating application lifecycles, running workflows, and simplifying day-to-day operations, Morpheus helps modernize applications. The platform optimizes cloud costs by inventorying existing resources, right-sizing them, tracking cloud spending, and providing centralized visibility.
3. The Kubernetes Database-as-a-Service Platform
Portworx Data Services is a Kubernetes Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) platform that offers a single solution for deploying, operating, and managing various data services without being locked into a specific vendor. It simplifies heterogeneous databases' deployment and day-to-day operations, eliminating the need for specialized expertise. With one click, organizations can deploy enterprise-grade data services with built-in capabilities like backup, restore, high availability, data recovery, security, capacity management, and migration. The platform supports a broad catalog of data services, including SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch, Cassandra, Couchbase, Kafka, Consul, RabbitMQ, and ZooKeeper. Portworx Data Services provides a consistent DBaaS experience on any infrastructure, whether on-premises or in the cloud, enabling seamless migration based on evolving business requirements.
4. DCImanager
DCImanager- a platform for managing multivendor IT infrastructure is a comprehensive platform for providing a unified interface to oversee and control all equipment types, including racks, servers, network devices, PDUs, and virtual networks. It is suitable for servers and data centers of any size, including distributed environments. DCImanager eliminates the need for additional tools and associated maintenance costs, allowing users to work seamlessly with equipment from popular vendors. With DCImanager, users can efficiently manage servers remotely, automate maintenance tasks, monitor power consumption, configure network settings, track inventory, visualize racks, and receive timely notifications. With over 16 years of experience, DCImanager is a reliable solution trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, backed by professional support.
5. EasyDCIM
EasyDCIM, a cloud-like bare metal server provisioning is a comprehensive and hassle-free data center administration solution that offers an all-in-one platform for managing daily tasks without requiring multiple software tools. It provides mobility, allowing remote management of data centers from any location and device. The system is highly expandable and customizable, allowing users to tailor the functionality to their needs. EasyDCIM excels in automated bare metal and dedicated server provisioning, streamlining the process from ordering to service delivery. It features a standalone system with a fully customizable admin control panel and user portal. The platform includes advanced data center asset lifecycle tracking, automated OS installation, network auto-discovering, and integration with billing solutions. EasyDCIM's modular architecture enables the easy extension and modification of system components.
6. Puppet
Puppet-Infrastructure automation and compliance at enterprise scale offers an automation solution that allows businesses to manage and automate complex workflows using reusable blocks of self-healing infrastructure as code. With model-driven and task-based configuration management, organizations can quickly deploy infrastructure to meet their evolving needs at any scale. By automating the entire infrastructure lifecycle, Puppet increases operational efficiency, eliminates silos, reduces response time, and streamlines change management. Puppet's automated policy enforcement ensures continuous compliance and a secure posture, enabling the identification, reporting, and resolution of errors while enforcing the desired state across the infrastructure. Leveraging the vibrant Puppet community, users can benefit from pre-built content and workflows, accelerating their deployment. With deep DevOps and enterprise experience, Puppet is a trusted advisor, assisting the largest enterprise customers in rethinking and redefining their IT management practices.
7. Foreman
Foreman is a robust lifecycle management tool designed for system administrators to manage physical and virtual servers efficiently. With Foreman, tasks can be automated, applications can be deployed quickly, and server management becomes proactive. It supports a wide range of providers, enabling hybrid cloud management. The tool includes features such as external node classification, Puppet and Salt configuration monitoring, and comprehensive host monitoring. Its CLI, Hammer, offers easy access to API calls for streamlined data center management. With RBAC and LDAP integration, audits, and a pluggable architecture, Foreman provides a powerful solution for server provisioning, configuration management, and monitoring.
Conclusion
HCI choosing the right tools for management and orchestration is paramount for organizations seeking to optimize their operations and achieve greater efficiency. Businesses can make informed decisions and select tools that align with their specific needs by considering factors such as scalability, automation capabilities, integration, and vendor support. Whether leveraging vendor-provided solutions or opting for third-party tools, the key is ensuring that the chosen tools enable effective management and orchestration of the HCI environment, allowing organizations to unlock the full potential of their infrastructure and drive business success.
As HCI continues to gain prominence, selecting the appropriate Hyper-Converged tools for management and orchestration becomes crucial for organizations aiming to streamline operations and maximize the benefits of their infrastructure investment. By carefully evaluating the available options, considering key factors, and aligning with business requirements, organizations can make informed decisions that optimize their HCI environment and enable them to adapt to the evolving needs of their digital infrastructure.
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Application Storage, Data Storage
Article | July 12, 2023
COVID-19 has altered our world. In this series of stories, Data Center Frontier explores the strategic challenges the pandemic presents for the data center and cloud computing sectors as we navigate this complex new landscape. We begin with a look at how COVID-19 is impacting demand for digital infrastructure. The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has reinforced the importance of data centers and cloud computing for our society. In the early days of the crisis, the data center
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Hyper-Converged Infrastructure
Article | September 14, 2023
Enterprises running hypervisors on hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems typically have backup options available to them that are not available to those running on generic hardware. Such customers may also have additional backup challenges depending on the HCI vendor and hypervisor they have chosen. Let’s take a look.
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Application Infrastructure, Application Storage
Article | July 19, 2023
Unlock Courses and HCI certifications focused on hyperconvergence providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, and manage these advanced infrastructure solutions.
Hyperconvergence has become essential for professionals and beginners seeking to stay ahead in their careers and grow in infstructure sector. Hyperconvergence courses and certifications offer valuable opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in this transformative technology. In this article, explore the significance of hyperconvergence courses and certifications, and how they enable professionals to become experts in designing, implementing, and managing hyperconverged infrastructure solutions.
1. Cloud Infrastructure and Services Version 4.0 (DCA-CIS)
The Dell Technologies Proven Professional Cloud Infrastructure and Services Associate (DCA-CIS) certification is an associate level certification designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the technologies, processes, and mechanisms required to build cloud infrastructure. By following a cloud computing reference model, participants can make informed decisions when building cloud infrastructure and prepare for advanced topics in cloud solutions. The certification involves completing the recommended training and passing the DEA-2TT4 exam. Exam retake policies are in place, and exam security measures ensure the integrity and validity of certifications. Candidates receive provisional exam score reports immediately, with final scores available in their CertTracker accounts after a statistical analysis. This certification equips professionals with the necessary expertise to excel in cloud infrastructure and services.
2. DCS-SA: Systems Administrator, VxRail
The Specialist – Systems Administrator, VxRail Version 2.0 (DCS-SA) certification focuses on individuals wanting to validate their expertise in effectively administering VxRail systems. VxRail clusters provide hyper-converged solutions that simplify IT operations and reduce business operational costs. This HCI certification introduces participants to the VxRail product, including its hardware and software components within a VxRail cluster. Key topics covered include cluster management, provisioning, monitoring, expansion, REST API usage, and standard maintenance activities. To attain this certification, individuals must acquire a prescribed Associate Level Certification, complete recommended training options, and pass the DES-6332 exam. This certification empowers professionals to administer VxRail systems and optimize data center operations efficiently.
3. Certified and Supported SAP HANA Hardware
One among HCI certification courses, the Certified and Supported SAP HANA Hardware program provides a directory of hardware options powered by SAP HANA, accelerating implementation processes. The directory includes certified appliances, enterprise storage solutions, IaaS platforms, Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) Solutions, supported intel systems, and supported power systems. These hardware options have undergone testing by hardware partners in collaboration with SAP LinuxLab and are supported for SAP HANA certification. Valid certifications are required at purchase, and support is provided until the end of maintenance. SAP SE delivers the directory for informational purposes, and improvements or corrections may be made at their discretion.
4. Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure
Google Cloud Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure is a comprehensive course introducing essential concepts and terminology for working with Google Cloud. It provides an overview of Google Cloud's computing and storage services and resource as well as policy management tools. Through videos and hands-on labs, learners will gain the knowledge and skills to interact with Google Cloud services, choose and deploy applications using App Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine, and Compute Engine, and utilize various storage options such as cloud storage, Cloud SQL, Cloud Bigtable, and Firestore. This beginner-level course is part of multiple specialization and professional certificate programs, including networking in Google Cloud and developing applications with Google Cloud. Upon completion, learners will receive a shareable certificate. The course is offered by Google Cloud, a trusted provider of innovative cloud technologies designed for security, reliability, and scalability.
5. Infrastructure and Application Modernization with Google Cloud
The ‘Modernizing Legacy Systems and Infrastructure with Google Cloud’ course addresses the challenges faced by businesses with outdated IT infrastructure and explores how cloud technology can enable modernization. It covers various computing options available in the cloud and their benefits, as well as application modernization and API management. The course highlights Google Cloud solutions like Compute Engine, App Engine, and Apigee that assist in system development and management. By completing this beginner-level course, learners will understand the benefits of infrastructure and app modernization using cloud technology, the distinctions between virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes, and how Google Cloud solutions support app modernization and simplify API management. The course is offered by Google Cloud, a leading provider of cloud technologies designed for security, reliability, and scalability. Upon completion, learners will receive a shareable certificate.
6. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations
One of the HCI certification courses, the ‘OCI Foundations Course’ is designed to prepare learners for the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Foundations Associate Certification. The course provides an introduction to the OCI platform and covers core topics such as compute, storage, networking, identity, databases, and security. By completing this course, learners will gain knowledge and skills in architecting solutions, understanding autonomous database concepts, and working with networking and observability tools. The course is offered by Oracle, a leading provider of integrated application suites and secure cloud infrastructure. Learners will have access to flexible deadlines and will receive a shareable certificate upon completion. Oracle's partnership with Coursera aims to increase accessibility to cloud skills training and empower individuals and enterprises to gain expertise in Oracle Cloud solutions.
7. Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID)
The 'Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) v7.0' training is designed to help learners master the design and deployment options for Cisco data center solutions. The course covers various aspects of data center infrastructure, including network, compute, virtualization, storage area networks, automation, and security. Participants will learn design practices for Cisco Unified Computing System, network management technologies, and various Cisco data center solutions. The training provides both theoretical content and design-oriented case studies through activities. By completing this training, learners can earn 40 Continuing Education credits and prepare for the 300-610 Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID) exam. This certification equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design scalable and reliable data center environments using Cisco technologies, making them eligible for professional-level job roles in enterprise-class data centers. Prerequisites for this training include foundational knowledge in data center networking, storage, virtualization, and Cisco UCS.
Final Thoughts
Mastering infrastructure in the realm of hyperconvergence is essential for IT professionals seeking to excel in their careers and drive successful deployments. Courses and HCI certifications focused on hyperconvergence provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, and manage these infrastructure modernization solutions. By acquiring these credentials, professionals can validate their expertise, stay up-to-date with industry best practices, and position themselves as valuable assets in the rapidly evolving landscape of IT infrastructure.
These courses and certifications offer IT professionals the opportunity to master the intricacies of this transformative infrastructure approach. By investing in these educational resources, individuals can enhance their skill set, broaden their career prospects, and contribute to the successful implementation and management of hyperconverged infrastructure solutions.
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