Getting the Most from Your Cloud Implementation: How Hardware and Software Integration Provides a Competitive Advantage

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1 Getting the Most from Your Cloud Implementation: How Hardware and Software Integration Provides a Competitive Advantage An Executive Brief Sponsored by Hewlett-Packard

2 Stratecast Frost & Sullivan GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR CLOUD IMPLEMENTATION: HOW HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE INTEGRATION PROVIDES A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE For cloud components to operate optimally, they cannot be assembled; they must be integrated. With inadequate integration, the cloud can become a good enough effort that falls short of expectations for speed, flexibility, and costs. INTRODUCTION Enterprise IT leaders spend a lot of time and energy on their cloud strategies, determining which deployment models to implement, which workloads to migrate, and which vendor s cloud services to subscribe to. They have high expectations for their cloud solutions: they are looking to reduce costs, introduce business agility and speed to market, and create process efficiencies. Unfortunately, in researching their options for building a cloud, too often they neglect to look closely at how the solution is designed. This is a critical omission that can spell the difference between a high-performing, optimized cloud, and one that is merely adequate. A cloud solution is designed to support self-service, on-demand delivery of IT services. Underlying this is a complex configuration involving many components including infrastructure hardware (servers, storage, and network); hypervisor layer; and service automation, management and application software that are usually developed and delivered by different vendors. Most often, it falls to the enterprise IT department to assemble the components into a cloud that delivers the benefits they need. But that can be more difficult than it appears. For cloud components to operate optimally, they cannot be assembled ; they must be integrated. That means the components (specifically, the hardware and software platforms) should be designed and optimized to work together. With inadequate integration, the cloud can become a good enough effort that falls short of expectations for speed, flexibility, and costs. In this white paper, Stratecast explores the relationship between hardware and software components in delivering a high-performing cloud environment. We present a list of questions to guide the reader in evaluating the offers of different cloud providers. Finally, we consider HP integrated solutions (hardware tuned to service automation platforms) as an effective choice for building a high-performance cloud environment Stratecast. All Rights Reserved.

3 Getting the Most from Your Cloud Implementation: Hardware and Software Integration BUILDING A PRIVATE CLOUD Enterprises are implementing private clouds as a way to streamline IT processes and maximize data center efficiency. In the flexible and scalable cloud model, IT sees an opportunity to accelerate application deployment, reduce errors, improve consistency of performance, and reduce capital and operating expenses. The business, as a whole, also can realize direct and indirect benefits, including marketplace agility, increased employee productivity, and support for 24x7 business operations. A cloud solution comprises multiple hardware and software components. Hardware is the foundation of the cloud. Components comprise servers, storage, and network infrastructure. In an effort to leverage existing hardware where possible, enterprises often employ a range of models and vendors in their cloud infrastructure, which increases the complexity of the configuration and the challenge of ensuring that all components work optimally together. Software layers sit between the hardware and the applications, defining the configuration as a cloud. Software components may include: Virtualization software (hypervisor) The abstraction layer that creates a virtual infrastructure (virtual machines) separate from the physical infrastructure. This enables users to allocate physical resources, as needed, among virtual machines, thereby optimizing use of available capacity. Service automation and management software The service automation platform is a critical component that brings standardization and automation functionality to the cloud; specifically, for provisioning infrastructure for cloud application deployments. A cloud deployment may utilize more than one service automation platform (for example, one platform that manages the virtualization layer and one that manages the hardware infrastructure). In addition, the management software enables users to manage their cloud environment via a portal. Management software generally includes capabilities for monitoring, reporting, and making changes to cloud configurations throughout the entire lifecycle of that service. Before making a cloud investment, it is important for an enterprise to consider the unique contributions of the key hardware and software components, and to understand the benefits delivered by integration. The Importance of Hardware in Implementing a Cloud In the cloud era, it is tempting to discount the value of hardware. Thanks to virtualization, enterprises can potentially construct their clouds from aging legacy hardware, or even bare-metal commodity hardware. By abstracting much of the operating intelligence from the underlying hardware, virtualization technology may be misperceived 2012 Stratecast. All Rights Reserved. 3

4 Stratecast Frost & Sullivan Infrastructure hardware is the foundation to a cloud implementation. Without a well-tuned exoskeleton, cloud services will not perform optimally, and the enterprise may not realize the full potential of the cloud. as a substitute for high-performing infrastructure hardware. This is a flawed mindset. In a cloud configuration, hardware works as hard as in a traditional data center configuration maybe harder since resource capacity tends to be utilized to a much higher degree than in a traditional one-application-per-server configuration. In fact, infrastructure (server, storage, and network) is the foundation to a cloud implementation. Without a well-tuned exoskeleton, cloud services will not perform optimally, and the enterprise may not realize the full potential of the cloud. The Importance of the Service Automation Platform in Implementing a Cloud The cloud is all about automation, and the service automation platform is the layer that makes it happen. The service automation platform standardizes and automates laborintensive tasks associated with provisioning infrastructure to deploy and manage cloud services. In essence, the service automation platform is what makes the cloud a cloud. Robust service automation platforms decrease the time it takes to deploy cloud applications; reduce errors and test cycles (thanks to standardized templates); and enable scaling of applications as needed. Given the complexity of the cloud environment, it is likely that more than one automation platform may be included in the configuration. For example, a private cloud may utilize one platform to manage the virtualization environment, and another to manage the underlying infrastructure. In this case, each service automation platform and the infrastructure hardware should be tuned to perform together. How Users Benefit from an Integrated Solution An integrated solution reduces the time to provision and scale cloud infrastructure. An integrated solution reduces the time required to provision and scale cloud infrastructure. This enables IT to respond more quickly to requests from line of business managers for new and expanded cloud deployments which, in turn, enables the business to be more agile in response to changing market conditions. In addition, because the integration points are part of the design of the hardware and software, the maintenance burden is reduced. Rather than requiring labor-intensive retooling with each refresh or upgrade, the pre-engineered solution accommodates growth and changes in the cloud. Achieving integration requires the hardware and software components to be engineered in a way that acknowledges and leverages each one s advanced features and capabilities. The components must be built for streamlined communication across multiple interface points. Thus, in an integrated solution, the cloud infrastructure is specifically engineered for the software platforms that will run on it; and the software automation platforms are tuned Stratecast. All Rights Reserved.

5 Getting the Most from Your Cloud Implementation: Hardware and Software Integration to engage the specific hardware on which they are running. In contrast, a service automation platform that is not engineered for the particular infrastructure on which it is running will interface only at a rudimentary level, without awareness of the particular capabilities of the hardware. This least common denominator approach means that users can miss out on the value they were expecting from advanced infrastructure features. QUESTIONS TO ASK CLOUD VENDORS BEFORE BUILDING A CLOUD The ideal cloud solution is purpose-built, with fully integrated hardware and software platforms. However, identifying the right solution can be challenging for enterprises that are researching cloud vendors. How much integration is the right amount? How can they achieve the performance benefits of a purpose-built solution without incurring hefty costs for maintenance? How can they be sure of realizing the promised efficiencies? The challenge is exacerbated because most enterprises work with multiple vendors (software and hardware) in constructing their clouds. Unless the vendors offer evidence of partnerships or certifications indicating that their products are pre-integrated with other leading vendors products, the onus is on enterprise IT to assemble the piece parts into a coherent environment. Thus, it makes sense for enterprise IT leaders to ask detailed questions about the solutions available on the market. By posing the following questions to cloud vendors, enterprises can make smart cloud choices. If a vendor solution is not optimized for specific hardware, you can assume it rides on the hardware, rather than integrates with it. 1. What is the recommended infrastructure supported by this Service Automation Platform? Many cloud platforms are sold as hardware-agnostic. That s not a problem in itself the cloud deployment should enable you to keep your existing infrastructure components. But, as you add and replace hardware, you should ensure you are selecting a hardware platform that is specially tuned for optimal performance with your cloud, as well as infrastructure components that can and will grow with your cloud platform as your needs evolve. If the vendor s solution is not optimized for specific infrastructure, you can assume it rides on the hardware, rather than integrates with it. 2. What are the integration points for the hardware and service automation layer? The word integration often denotes nothing more than adjacency. If the service automation provider and the hardware provider cannot list specific points of integration between the service automation layer and the hardware platform, then you should suspect there has been no tuning for optimal performance Stratecast. All Rights Reserved. 5

6 Stratecast Frost & Sullivan 3. Can I use multiple virtualization platforms, from multiple vendors, in my cloud? Your business undoubtedly operates in a heterogeneous IT environment, with applications running on Windows and Linux, and virtual machines supported by (for example) VMware, Microsoft, and Red Hat. Your cloud should support not only the applications, operating systems, and virtualization platforms you are using today, but those you may choose to add in the future. As a result, you need to select a hardware solution and service automation platform (for example, HP CloudSystem) that is flexible enough to support multiple virtualization platforms. 4. How does the service automation platform integrate with virtualization technologies? The service automation platform orchestrates provisioning of infrastructure, including loading appropriate hypervisors. How will the physical provisioning be accomplished? Be sure the service automation platform is designed to provision and manage the specific virtualization technologies you use. 5. What level of improvement can I expect for application deployment? It is easy to claim that the service automation platform delivers faster deployment times but, how much faster? Can the provider quantify claims for error reduction, risk reduction, and cost reduction? Can the provider support the claims with actual customer experience, or are they simply from a test lab? Be skeptical of claims the provider is unable to substantiate. 6. Do your solution s service and support contracts allow me to offer (and meet) service level agreements (SLAs) to my internal clients? The benefits of a well-tuned cloud extend beyond the IT department; line of business managers should also see business advantages. You need to be confident enough in your cloud to offer SLAs to your colleagues. 7. How will this cloud solution support my company s growth in the cloud? Today, you may be looking to implement a private cloud. But in the future, your IT environment may require a combination of public, private, and even hybrid environments to ensure optimal price-performance for each workload. Be sure you select a flexible, integrated cloud solution that will grow with your company. HP CONVERGED CLOUD SOLUTIONS In the search for a truly integrated cloud solution, a good place to start is with HP and its Converged Cloud portfolio. HP Converged Cloud is a comprehensive portfolio built on a common and open architecture, with common automation and management tools for hybrid delivery. HP Converged Cloud supports a broad range of technologies (from HP and other leading providers), including multiple hypervisors, operating systems, and infrastructure hardware, as well as multiple deployment models (private, public, and hybrid clouds) Stratecast. All Rights Reserved.

7 Getting the Most from Your Cloud Implementation: Hardware and Software Integration For enterprises embarking on a cloud strategy, HP Converged Cloud minimizes the complexity and risk associated with building a cloud. HP Converged Cloud offers assurance that HP hardware, software and services are engineered to work together to deliver the optimal cloud solution, regardless of deployment model. Because the HP Converged Cloud portfolio covers every phase of the cloud journey, enterprises can evolve their environments as their needs change; for example, moving from a virtualized data center to a private or hybrid cloud, with minimal re-engineering of their infrastructure platforms. Furthermore, HP Converged Cloud extends to leading technology partners, as well; giving customers the broadest choice of leading technology solutions for any cloud scenario. For enterprises embarking on a cloud strategy, the HP Converged Cloud minimizes the complexity and risk associated with building a cloud. Because HP s Converged Cloud strategy depends on the design and engineering of the solutions, HP hardware engineers work with their software counterparts from within HP and from leading vendors, such as VMware, right from the start. The solutions are built so that each component is aware of and able to leverage the advanced functionality of the other components. Thus, HP cloud-ready hardware (while flexible enough to run any service automation platform) is purpose-built from the ground up to optimally support HP service automation platforms as well as certain partner platforms. And the HP service automation platforms (while able to run on any hardware) are hardware-aware, so that they work optimally with the HP hardware. Because the components are designed to work together, the integrated solution improves performance (by reducing time to provision cloud infrastructure), as well as reduces maintenance activities (by ensuring the solution remains tuned, even as components are refreshed or upgraded). Does the integration really make a difference? An example, showing the integration of HP hardware, HP platforms and VMware platforms, shows the value. Integrated Solution Example: HP CloudSystem optimized for VMware HP CloudSystem is an open platform that enables enterprises and service providers to build and manage services across private, public and hybrid cloud environments. Based on HP Converged Infrastructure and HP software, HP CloudSystem integrates servers, storage, networking, security and management to automate the application to infrastructure lifecycle for hybrid service delivery management. As a part of HP s Converged Cloud architecture, clients have an integrated architecture that is easy to manage and provides flexibility and portability between private, public, and managed clouds. For customers who have chosen to employ VMware solutions as part of their cloud strategy, HP offers HP CloudSystem optimized for VMware, as a deeply integrated solution that includes pre-tuned server, storage, networking, management, and virtualization. The HP infrastructure components are built specifically to work in parallel with HP CloudSystem and VMware vcloud Director. Thus, the solution, engineered 2012 Stratecast. All Rights Reserved. 7

8 Stratecast Frost & Sullivan HP engineering exercises show that the auto-flex capability reduces the time that administrators need to add physical infrastructure to a vcloud Director resource pool from about four hours to just 15 minutes. according to best practices and lab-tested, arrives at the customer site ready for installation of the HP CloudSystem and VMware vcloud Suite. The HP CloudSystem portfolio maximizes cloud performance by doubling virtual machine density, reducing network complexity, and supporting flexible workload configurations. HP CloudSystem optimized for VMware also streamlines the function of importing virtual machines. Enterprises can easily make the transition from a virtual data center to a cloud environment, because the solution enables existing virtual machines to be moved into the HP cloud without downtime or disruption. Another benefit of the integrated solution comes from the HP CloudSystem auto-flex capability. This capability enables users to automate the physical hardware provisioning process, enabling rapid scaling of the cloud solution stack. With auto-flex technology, administrators can use vcloud Director in conjunction with the HP CloudSystem environment to add or remove physical server capacity in the cloud. Because vcloud is engineered to work with the HP CloudSystem cloud management platform, the entire converged infrastructure can be scaled in minutes. HP s engineering exercises show that the auto-flex capability reduces administrative time to add physical infrastructure to a vcloud Director resource pool from about four hours to just 15 minutes. Furthermore, customers using any solution within the HP CloudSystem portfolio can accelerate application and infrastructure provisioning with HP Cloud Maps. These prepackaged templates can speed up the process to create a cloud service catalog. HP Cloud Maps provide an extremely fast and reliable way to create a new application service. BENEFITS OF THE HP INTEGRATED CLOUD SOLUTIONS For integrated cloud storage, HP storage solutions include at least ten separate integration points with VMware. HP cloud solutions provide the deep integration between hardware and software that enterprises need to deliver optimal cloud benefits. By working with software engineers from HP and partner companies throughout the development process, HP hardware engineers are able to build multiple integration points into their infrastructure products. For example, through its partnership with VMware, HP integrated solutions collect over 1400 data points per server, which are analyzed, converted into actionable information, and presented through VMware vcenter. For cloud storage, HP Converged Storage solutions offer complete integration with VMware vstorage APIs, vcenter Server and vsphere. The result of this deep integration is a better performing cloud. Based on HP test results and customer experience, HP integrated solutions offer impressive performance improvements, including significant reductions in the time required to provision cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, by integrating management tools, HP solutions consolidate hundreds of administrative functions, reducing administrative time and staff. For example, an HP integrated solution is estimated to reduce storage management time by 90 percent Stratecast. All Rights Reserved.

9 Getting the Most from Your Cloud Implementation: Hardware and Software Integration As a result, using HP engineered cloud solutions, IT is able to reduce the time to provision cloud infrastructure, resulting in lower costs and greater business agility. As such, IT can better serve the business and earn the trust of internal clients with service level guarantees. For most enterprises, today s cloud decision is just one step in a broader cloud journey. That is another reason why an HP integrated cloud solution is a wise choice. As part of the HP Converged Cloud portfolio, the integrated private cloud can easily grow and evolve, allowing the business to incorporate other solutions and deployment models (public, private or hybrid cloud configurations) as their needs change. Thus, by partnering with HP, enterprises can leverage all the building blocks they need to design, implement and manage a comprehensive and effective cloud strategy, one that will work for their business today and in the future Stratecast. All Rights Reserved. 9

10 Stratecast Frost & Sullivan Stratecast The Last Word Cloud success depends on the complex interaction of multiple hardware and software components. It takes flexible deployment of infrastructure the rapid provisioning and scaling of hardware on demand to create a seamless, cost-effective, and high-performance cloud environment. Unfortunately, too many enterprises overlook the need for hardware and software integration as they build their clouds, resulting in a cloud that does not live up to the business plan assumptions for efficiency, speed of deployment, and ease of maintenance. Enterprises need to be aware of what goes into the clouds they are building, and ensure that the hardware and software components are deeply integrated. Before investing in a cloud, enterprises should approach vendors with a list of hard questions and be sure the vendor can back up its claims. As part of that research, we recommend that enterprises talk to HP about its Converged Cloud solutions. HP is one of few providers that offer a purpose-built, fully integrated cloud solution, comprising hardware, software, and services. Furthermore, HP engineering partnerships give enterprises the opportunity for an integrated cloud solution that includes platforms from other leading vendors, such as VMware. In a competitive marketplace, the cloud can help enterprises attain the business agility, process efficiencies, and cost containment they need to succeed. As such, IT leaders are looking for the most flexible and highest performing cloud solutions available today, to support a range of workloads and a mix of deployment models. As they continue on their cloud journey, they should choose a partner with the broad service portfolio, depth of expertise, and strong partnerships to ensure success, now and in the future. Lynda Stadtmueller Program Director Cloud Computing Stratecast Frost & Sullivan lstadtmueller@stratecast.com Stratecast. All Rights Reserved.

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