Data Center Conference Survey Results: Server Consolidation

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1 Events, J. Phelps Research Note 31 March 2004 Data Center Conference Survey Results: Server Consolidation At the December 2003 Data Center Conference, attendees were asked questions for each presentation. Interest in server consolidation continues unabated. Reducing total cost of ownership is still the major reason for consolidation. Core Topic Servers and Storage: Server Infrastructure Key Issue What are the most-appropriate technologies for achieving the greatest gains from server consolidation projects? Gartner's 22nd annual Data Center Conference in December 2003 attracted more than 1,400 attendees. As part of the conference, they were given electronic polling devices, with selected questions inserted in each presentation. Server consolidation questions were contained in a main tent and track session. Although we recognize that the respondents do not necessarily represent a statistically significant distribution, we believe the results of these polls will be of interest to users and have compiled the results of the server consolidation questions, along with some general observations and analysis of the results. In the main tent introduction session, a general question was posed about server consolidation projects and if they were being undertaken. This was the third consecutive year that we asked attendees this question. It was also asked in a more general form in a survey at the 1998 Gartner Data Center Conference. This comparison of the four years (see Table 1) shows that consolidation has grown into a major, continuing issue for the data center. Gartner Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Gartner shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

2 Table 1 Do you currently have a server consolidation project under way? No plans to consolidate 25% 6% 8% 6% servers 2. Want to consolidate 45% 25% 25% 28% servers and are looking into doing a consolidation 3. Have a consolidation 30% 69% 67% 61% project under way 4. Have already done a 5% server consolidation and have no plans for any more (Only asked in 2003) Total Respondents The results indicate the continued interest in, and work on, server consolidation. By 2001, server consolidation became a major concern and effort. Since then, we have seen interest and work on server consolidation continue unabated, with only 6 percent to 8 percent of the respondents not concerned about performing some form of consolidation. In 2003, we formally asked about how many had completed a consolidation and had no plans for any more work on server consolidation. Five percent responded that they were finished. The previous years had shown less than 1 percent through informal questioning. We believe that the fairly steady state for those looking at doing a consolidation reflects the initial planning that must take place and the need to overcome political inertia. Also, the somewhat steady state for having a project under way is because many have completed part of the consolidation (logical and physical), but not yet all the rationalization desired because of the slowly maturing technology. Table 2 shows the results for the question: "Why is your enterprise interested in server consolidation?" Table 2 Why is your enterprise interested in server consolidation? 1. Only reason is to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) 11% 2. Mainly to reduce TCO, but other reasons also 45% 3. To gain control in order to manage the systems better 36% (security, availability, disaster recovery) 4. To provide better service and agility 6% 5. Other 2% Total Respondents March

3 Although the hope of reduced TCO remains the No. 1 reason for server consolidation, we have seen a growing realization that server consolidation provides more than just the possibility of TCO savings. The desire to control server sprawl to better manage systems was listed as the No. 2 reason for server consolidation by 36 percent of the respondents. In today's dynamic environment, the need to maintain agility and provide better service has begun to show up as a server consolidation benefit. That said, it is important to consider that it is possible to consolidate too much in the pursuit of short-term TCO goals and, in doing so, adversely affect strategic service levels or system agility goals. The growth in interest in non-tco benefits also reflects the improving economy, so that enterprises can move beyond simply reduced-tco goals. Enterprises working on a server consolidation project should always look to include non- TCO benefits as part of their justification. Table 3 shows the results for the question: "Where will savings come from after performing a server consolidation?" Table 3 Where will savings come from after performing a server consolidation? Staffing 42% 36% 2. Hardware 27% 38% 3. Software 19% 13% 4. Facilities 12% 13% Total Respondents These polling results are mainly consistent with results reported to us as we talk with clients. The only difference is we do not see as high a number in the software category, because this is an area that is prone to negative values, depending on the type of consolidation and platform. The results do show there is a lowering in expectations for software savings. The major difference from 2002 to 2003 is the growing realization that, although lower staffing levels are possible, this often does not result in bottom-line savings. Staff that is freed up as a result of server consolidation often will be reassigned to other projects that could not have been done before, or provide cost avoidance by being assigned to projects that would have required the hiring of new staff. The growth in the number of respondents saying hardware savings will be the major area for savings stems from the realization that staffing and software savings are not as easy to achieve, and hardware savings are easier to assess and measure. The server consolidation project team must set proper expectations with upper management concerning the true staff savings potential based on disposition of freed-up staff. 31 March

4 In the presentation, server consolidation using rationalization was defined as decreasing the number of physical servers by combining applications into fewer, larger servers. This can be achieved by partitioning or workload management. With that in mind, the following question (see Table 4) was asked of the audience: "What do you believe is the biggest concern or problem impacting server consolidation using rationalization in your enterprise?" Table 4 What do you believe is the biggest concern or problem impacting server consolidation using rationalization in your enterprise? 1. Internal politics 35% 2. Operating-system workload management solutions 15% are immature 3. Partitioning solutions are immature 9% 4. Independent software vendor (ISV) software pricing 7% 5. ISV support for consolidated environment 5% 6. Software coexistence problems 28% Total Respondents 195 Most problem areas affecting server consolidation are technical in nature. However, the No. 1 problem we see when talking with clients (and verified by the polling results) is internal politics. Most of these political problems have to do with loss of control, lowering of departmental budget/staff levels, and concerns over security, availability, chargeback and performance. It is crucial to try to address these concerns as part of your initial consolidation planning. Software coexistence continues to be the No. 2 concern. Immature rationalization technology (partitioning and workload management) is a close third. Table 5 shows the results for the question: "Are you planning on or currently using software partitioning for Windows server consolidation?" 31 March

5 Table 5 Are you planning on or currently using software partitioning for Windows server consolidation? 1. No, no plans 23% 2. Not yet but looking at using VMware for 15% nonproduction applications 3. Not yet but looking at using VMware for production 19% applications 4. Not yet but looking at using Microsoft Virtual Server 11% for nonproduction applications when available 5. Not yet but looking at using Microsoft Virtual Server 11% for production applications when available 6. Yes using VMware GSX for only nonproduction 5% applications 7. Yes using VMware GSX for production and 3% nonproduction applications 8. Yes using VMware ESX for only nonproduction 5% applications 9. Yes using VMware ESX for production and 9% nonproduction applications Total Respondents 176 The No. 1 discussion we have with clients who are looking at Windows server consolidation is about the use of software partitioning. This usually involves a discussion of the value of virtualization, the major products (VMware's GSX and ESX server products, and the coming Microsoft Virtual Server product), the viability of software partitioning, support issues, and how many enterprises are using software partitioning in production. This polling question was quite detailed based on the products, but it is good to look at some of the combined answers also. The results show that 77 percent of those polled are interested in software partitioning to aid server consolidation. Although Microsoft's Virtual Server is not yet available, 22 percent of respondents are waiting for it, compared with 22 percent who are using a VMware product and 34 percent who are looking at a VMware product. The other interesting cut is production workloads vs. nonproduction workloads. The recommended way to move into the use of software partitioning is to start with workloads such as test and development and, after becoming comfortable with the capability, try some production workloads. The poll results show that 12 percent of the respondents (and 55 percent of those actually using a software-partitioning product) have moved into production. Another 30 percent showed a desire to move to production workloads as quickly as possible. Enterprises looking to do server consolidation in the Windows environment should seriously look at software partitioning as a possible consolidation 31 March

6 technique, because the technology is maturing rapidly, and more products and functionality are being delivered. Bottom Line: Attendees at the December 2003 Gartner Data Center Conference confirmed that interest in server consolidation is continuing unabated. Reducing total cost of ownership is the major reason for consolidation, but other reasons, such as better system management, are becoming important. More enterprises are seeing the reality that staff savings do not always translate to the bottom line. They are finding that internal politics must be understood and addressed to avoid a negative effect on consolidation. Finally, the use of software partitioning in the Windows environment is growing and will continue to grow. 31 March