white paper
Building a Dynamic Data Center through an
Optimized Approach to Virtualization
Cognizant White Paper
Abstract
Businesses need to keep IT expenditures down while continuing to provide high quality service. Virtualization offers a low cost way to improve systems management, enable availability of resources, and uphold business continuity without increasing IT overhead. Machine virtualization is established as a mainstream technology in most data centers today. Many organizations are now considering how best to advance to a more mature use of integrated, virtual technologies. To move forward, companies must optimize the capabilities and limitations of each virtualized technology (machine, storage, network and application) as well as the associated policies, procedures, personnel resources, and organizational structure, to maximize business benefits and return on investments (ROI).
Current Market Challenges
The global financial crisis, pressure on enterprise pricing and profitability, and increasing cost of capital are driving today's corporations to demand more for less. In addition, organizations are seeking to reduce general and administrative expense, including those expenses associated with IT hardware, storage, networks, and applications in order to
maintain shareholder value. Most importantly, Information Technology (IT) departments must reduce ongoing management and maintenance costs to free up the necessary funds for development and critical investments in new technology to support a more responsive, agile, and on-demand technical infrastructure.
To accomplish this, corporations are continuing to rationalize assets deployed during the 1990's IT spending spree, by leveraging a more efficient global delivery model, and by turning towards virtualization technology. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by IDG Service Group, 72% or corporations are currently investing in server virtualization, 41% in desktop virtualization, 41% in storage virtualization, 23% enterprise/data center virtualization, and 22% application virtualization.1
Key Market Drivers for Virtualization
Solutions
IT departments continue to invest during flat and declining budget cycles by optimizing existing server and desktop virtualization and by gaining further synergies through the adoption of additional virtualization technologies. One of the most significant benefits of virtualization is that it has the ability to scale applications and infrastructure as
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needed. In addition, it enables accelerated time-to-market by increasing the speed, flexibility, and quality of service and infrastructure. Virtualization improves business continuity, disaster recovery, availability of resources. Virtualization also extends the business benefits of services oriented architecture (SOA) by facilitating the sharing of reusable IT assets within multiple operating systems.
The rapid adoption of virtualization is also being driven by the need to continue to employ legacy systems prior to and during migration efforts. The focus on corporate green initiatives to the lowering power and cooling requirements associated with infrastructure is also driving the implementation of virtualization. Further fueling the trend toward virtualization is the increasing sophistication and capabilities of the technology itself. Newer hypervisors result in minimal differences between bare metal and virtualized systems, and technology in other virtualization areas such as storage, network and application, is maturing rapidly. Finally, because it isolates end users from the actual resource via a layer of abstraction, corporations view virtualization as an important building block to cloud computing.
The Beginnings of Integrated Virtual
Data Center Environments
Virtualization is a method of abstracting software systems and resources from the underlying physical hardware which hosts them (i.e. virtual memory in a computer). By breaking the bond between physical hardware and software, virtualization allows for:
■ Running multiple virtual machines with
het-erogeneous operating systems at the same time on the same physical machine
■ Enabling multiple data networks to share the
same physical infrastructure, increasing flexi-bility, security, and optimizing network per-formance
■ Optimizing storage platforms based on what
data needs to be used and retrieved when, reducing costs of storage, and simplifying management of the storage infrastructure
■ Rapidly deploying and managing highly
avail-able, fault tolerant data centers and comput-ing systems, based on simple computcomput-ing building blocks, and do so at a very low cost
■ Transforming disparate resources into a pool
of computing assets than can be dynamically allocated. End users consume IT resources where and when they are needed resulting in a fractional ownership approach for infra-structure and applications.
Today’s virtualization technology represents almost a back-to-the-future approach, providing many of the cost, security, and management benefits of a centralized mainframe to dumb terminal infrastructure, while eliminating many of the disadvantages through the use of a pool of data center resources linked to responsive and GUI-enabled thin servers. IBM incorporated early virtual technologies within its mainframes produced in the 1960’s and 70’s. Digital Equipment Corporation evolved virtualization even further with the virtual file system embedded in its VAX operating system. Virtual technologies were also used more recently in Unix/RISC systems. The concept was popularized in the 1990’s with the introduction of increasingly sophisticated products from VMware designed for computers based on x86 architecture. CPUs based upon x86 architecture operates using a sequence of stored instructions, 17 of which cause difficulty when attempting to virtualize a machine. VMware developed a technique that traps these problematic instructions and converts them into safe commands that can be virtualized. As a result, VMware remains a clear market leader in virtualization products, although companies such as Citrix, Microsoft, and others are also attempting to gain market share.
Building Blocks for a Virtual, Dynamic
Data Center
white paper
with changing corporate strategies and business objectives.
Building a dynamic data center requires an in-depth understanding of the capabilities and limitations of each type of virtualization and the development of a virtualization strategic roadmap. It also entails optimizing and leveraging the capabilities of each virtual technology based on the business need, beginning with any virtualization technology that you have already installed. However virtual technology itself is not a solution, but rather a means to a greater end when combined with appropriate policies, procedures, people, and organizational structure.
Each component of an integrated virtual environment should be implemented in the sequence that provides the best ROI and in turn facilitates the adoption of the next component. Most firms have already implemented or have budgeted virtualization of machines (servers and desktops) and are taking the next steps --virtualization of storage, networks, and applications to gain additional synergies.
Optimizing an Installed Base of
Virtualization Technology
With capital budgets locked down at many corporations, it is best to begin building a next-generation data center by first strengthening your present virtualization foundation. This enables you to gain additional ROI from existing investments. Many virtualization technologies, such as machine virtualization, can generate immediate cost savings. We recommend beginning virtualization initiatives with an audit followed by the development of a virtualization roadmap. Often such an audit will turn up one or more of the following low-hanging fruit that will enhance the business benefits of your virtualization program.
■ Negotiate with Vendors: In some instances,
key applications have not been virtualized because a vendor indicates that it does not support virtualization, or because vendors are not providing favorable pricing. The argu-ment that software cannot be virtualized has been proved fallacious so resolving these challenges is often a matter of tough negotia-tion with existing software vendors.
■ Remove Virtual Clutter: Remember, just
because it is a virtual server or desktop it is not free. Out of control virtual hardware, over provisioning, etc. increases complexity and cost of management and maintenance. While virtual machines (VMs) are significantly cheaper than their physical counterparts, they still have associated costs which must be accounted for. In addition, project lifecycles elongate at an alarming rate as test environ-ments propagate, which represents an enor-mous hidden expense.
■ Change Funding and Budgeting Processes:
Move from a business unit funded project structure to a pay-as-you-go charge back model in order to support virtualization deployment and management and gain buy-in from end users.
■ Develop a Collaborative IT Culture: Unlike
traditional environments leveraging virtual technologies efficiently requires multi-disci-plinary IT teams crossing the boundaries of machine, storage, network and applications. It also necessitates precise definitions of responsibilities to avoid confusion and the use of IT resources.
■ Change Your Virtualization Mindset: Stop
thinking of virtualization as a solution and start imagining it as a building block for gen-erating business benefits and developing a path towards your IT vision.
Machine Virtualization (servers &
desktop)
Understanding the groundwork and laying a solid foundation around all forms of machine virtualization are critical success factors in the successful deployment and management of next-generation data centers. The components of machine virtualization consist of both servers and the desktop.
Server Virtualization
Server virtualization introduces a thin layer over the physical server to partition it into separate areas in which virtual servers run. Resources from the server are used as a pool of resources which can be shared among the virtual machines sitting on top of the physical machine. VMs result in significant business benefits including higher server utilization and the ability to consolidate servers. Physical
servers usually only use about 20% of capacity and by using virtualized servers companies can increase hardware utilization to approximately
60-80%. That’s a 3:1 or 4:1 consolidation ratio2,
also known as compression ratio, using like hardware. Because migrating from physical to virtual environments involves a hardware refresh as a best practice, the greatly increased computing power provided by the latest generations of multi-socket, multi-core servers over servers from even 1 or 2 years ago leads to much higher compression ratios. Fewer physical servers in turn means smaller data centers and less associated cooling and electrical costs. In addition, since VMs can quickly create different operating system (OS) environments and run legacy and new applications simultaneously, they greatly enhance both flexibility and agility of an IT infrastructure while accelerating testing and development. Significantly, VMs allow for the rapid recovery of all critical systems in a matter of minutes, resulting in superior business continuity and disaster recovery.
Conversely, server virtualization brings about a new set of challenges. For example, it requires more powerful computers and may result in upfront hardware costs, and each new virtual server requires its own software. Virtual servers must still be managed and maintained so less physical servers do not translate into the same level of consolidation of IT staff. Training is required for both IT and end users. As previously mentioned, lack of control can result in server sprawl, increasing complexity, and rising management and maintenance costs.
Desktop Virtualization
Similar to virtual servers, virtual desktops
separate the physical device from the software and end user by encapsulating and delivering access to an information system environment or a remote device. In fact, the device may be of a different architecture and operating system (OS). Typically virtual desktops use a thin client to access data without being tied down to specific hardware device. It is forecasted that approximately 34% of desktop will be virtualized by 2010 and market for desktop virtualized software will grow from $500M in
2008 to $1.8B in 2011.3
The use of desktop virtualization also results in material cost savings since desktops are infamously expensive to manage and maintain and typically cost 3-5 times the purchase price annually. Virtualized desktops also support an increasingly mobile and flexible workforce while adhering to required security and compliance regulations. In fact, such machines can provide instant and customized desktops for users and are perfect for contract workers, consultants, temporary workers or those on third-party PCs. Unlike physical machines, virtual ones can run multiple operating systems concurrently, enabling the use of both legacy and new systems. Of course, the use of virtualized desktops speeds provisioning, updates and patches, while improving disaster recovery and business continuity.
On the other hand, implementing a virtual desktop requires the need for real, not virtual money. According to Forrester Research, a high tech research firm based in Cambridge, MA, enterprises spend about $1760 per user plus network upgrades in the first year to get a
desktop virtualization project up and running4.
In addition, since desktop applications can consume as much as 20-30% of a traditional desktop available CPU, they require powerful machines and considerable network bandwidth to avoid performance issues. Lastly, effective usage of virtual desktops required that data center and desktop IT work together as a cohesive team, which is a challenge in itself.
The major approaches to desktop virtualization includes hosted and bare-Metal, or disconnected, architecture using hypervisors. Using a hosted model, a server hosts virtual
Optimization Tip: Take advantage of
virtualization assessment tools (example, VMware Capacity Planner, Cirba, IBM CDAT). These tools allow you to develop realistic virtualization consolidation strategies that are based on your specific server infrastructure, proposed hardware platform for consolidation, and current system performance and utilization.
2Infotech Research Group, London, Ontario, Canada, Virtualization Can be Hot: Too Hot.
3IDG Services Group: The Promise of Desktop Virtualization, IDG, Framingham, MA Megan Santosus
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machines that are connected using standard protocols. This approach provides complete control and management of a distributed desktop environment. It optimizes security, enhances support, and extends the expected life of client hardware. It also supports customization. However, it sacrifices some performance and graphics, and is network dependent requiring significant bandwidth. Bare metal or disconnected virtual desktops use hypervisors that are installed either over or within the OS. The disconnected virtual desktop can support multiple operating systems and enables employees to use laptops for the company as well as personal use, while remaining in compliance with government data privacy regulations.
Storage Virtualization
The additional foundational technology required for a next-generation data center is storage, since where the data sits is crucial for its efficient use and retrieval. Virtualized storage separates the physical location of the data from the end user and handles the process of retrieval in the most efficient fashion. Accordingly, physical storage devices are pooled and used as a virtual resource, scaling up or down as required in a manner transparent to the user.
The device or software also maintains a mapping table for the information within virtualized storage, which is referred to as meta data.
Virtual storage enables the use of storage devices from multiple vendors making a company hardware vendor independent. This allows enterprises to leverage and extend the
life of existing storage devices and add others of their choosing as required. Additionally, data can be easily migrated during the maintenance or replacement of a physical device without disruption. Given that data is pooled, utilization is optimized and administrators can identify, provision, and manage pooled virtual storage as if it were a single resource. However, the added layer of abstraction adds complexity and requires ongoing management. Problem resolution can be tricky and meta data must be backed-up and protected. Naturally, sufficient network bandwidth is required to ensure performance and scalability.
The most common types of storage virtualization include: host-based, storage device-based, and network-based. In a host-based model a software layer intercepts requests redirecting data according to the meta data mapping table, and each type of OS controlled by an individual manager. With a storage device-based approach, use of the newest type of disk array controller allows for the connection of additional devices. Finally, the network-based method utilizes a virtual device within the Storage Area Network (SAN). An appliance or switch-based implementation is most frequently employed.
Network Virtualization
As with other virtual technologies, network virtualization breaks the dependency between the network and data by dividing bandwidth into channels that can be assigned and reassigned as required. In fact, a virtual network acts as a data superhighway that can add virtual lanes when needed.
Optimization Tip: Use of multiple
approaches and the judicious targeting of end users leads to the most favorable results. For example: the hosted desktop virtualization is better to apply in areas such as call centers, airline terminals, or remote users with access to high speed network connections. A disconnected or bare metal architecture may be appropriate for sophisticated technical users such as software testers or employees who work with applications
with different platforms on a regular basis. Optimization Tip: Plan storage needs
The usual and customary approaches to application virtualization include:
■ External: combines multiple networks or
cre-ates virtual networks using a switch and VLAN (virtual LAN) software.
■ Internal: a single system is configured with
containers combined with a hypervisor.
■ Combination: connects single system
net-works with containers on virtual servers into multiple external network software.
The benefits of network virtualization are substantial. It optimizes network speed, reliability, flexibility, scalability, and security, while running multiple code versions simultaneously. A virtual network also enhances mobility, facilitates on-demand computing, and enables the fast provisioning and distribution of applications as virtual appliances. In addition, it greatly simplifies migrations.
Application Virtualization
Application Virtualization is an umbrella term that describes software technologies that encapsulate applications and associated customization used by a particular end user and separates them from the underlying operating systems. Approaches to application virtualization include: application streaming and desktop virtualization/virtual desktop infrastructure.
■ Application Streaming: Using this approach
applications are streamed to users on demand and delivered in a package that may include some OS files.
■ Desktop Virtualization/Virtual Desktop
Infrastructure: In this model applications are hosted in a VM or blade PC that includes the OS. Application virtualization accelerates software development and testing. Most notably, it
facilitates the creation of test bed environments instantaneously. Because it breaks the dependency of applications to the OS, it can run multiple code versions i.e., Microsoft Office 2003 and 2007. In addition, application virtualization improves mobility, facilitates on-demand computing, and enhances performance by caching the most used parts of an application. It supports fast provisioning and distribution of applications, such as virtual appliances, and simplifies migrations, and eliminates lifecycle redundancy, producing a significant cost advantage. However, application virtualization requires an application-readiness framework. Software must be packaged or sequenced. Not all applications can be virtualized, i.e., anti-virus software. Finally, some capability issues between legacy applications and newer OSes cannot be addressed.
Virtualization Vendors
Many vendors claim to have a fully integrated, end-to-end virtualization solution. However, none have the breadth of products and level of integration as of yet to support this notion. Be wary of vendors who have merely rebranded their existing solution as virtual in order to enhance market interest. The following is a partial list of virtualization vendors by segment.
Machine Virtualization Vendors: VMware is the clear market leader followed by Citrix (Xen), and
Optimization Tip: The lines between
physical and virtual network switches are quickly bluring. When combining machine and network virtualization (especially server virtualization) align the layout and management of your network and server administrators, and understand the boundaries for support of the various components.
Optimization Tip: Note that while
Microsoft (Hyper-V). Red Hat, and Cannonical (Ubuntu) are strong second tier vendors. VMware pioneered x86-based virtualization and currently holds about 90% of the installed
bases of VMs.5 VMware holds a 2-3 year
technology lead according to market analysts.
Storage Virtualization Vendors: Include EMC, Hitachi Data Systems, and Network Appliance. Smaller scale competitors include Dell, HP (Left Hand), and Compellent. Storage fabric vendors include Brocade and Cisco.
Network Virtualization Vendors: Cisco is the clear market leader in this market and its Unified Computing Platform proposes to unite network, computer, and virtual resources into a single, cohesive platform. The Cisco platform uses a paradigm that a network is the central component within a virtualized data center.
Application Virtualization Vendors: These
vendors include: Microsoft (SoftGrid), VMware (ThinApp), and Citrix (XenApp).
Outsourcing -- A Critical Part of any
Virtualization Strategy
The complexities and challenges in implementing the building blocks of a dynamic data center make outsourcing an important approach to consider when executing a virtualization strategy and attempting to move up the virtualization maturity ladder. Some of the most important reasons to outsource include:
■ Experience: Outsourcers provide proven
vir-tualization expertise, while freeing up existing staff to work on other projects.
■ Scalability: Partners can accommodate growth
as virtualization efforts expand throughout the enterprise and increase in complexity.
■ Accelerated realization of benefits: Outsourcing
often results in faster realization of business benefits by leveraging existing methodologies, frameworks, other IP, economies of scale and mature global delivery capabilities.
■ Ancillary services: Outsourcers can deliver
other services such as assistance with securi-ty management.
Cognizant Can Assist Your Company in
Building a Strong Virtualization
Foundation
Cognizant can help create a comprehensive strategy to deploy, manage, and optimize virtualization in your organization. Unlike many firms, Cognizant offers a complete set of professional and managed service capabilities to meet your needs. In addition, Cognizant helps clients take full advantage of the potential cost savings, while ensuring that virtualization technologies are aligned with their individual business needs and IT vision.
Cognizant brings a proven virtualization track record from its work across the Global 1000 and an approach that encompasses assessment, design, implementation, and support. Cognizant offers a full range of virtualization services across all technology platforms in order to optimize performance, maximize capabilities, and minimize costs. Cognizant Virtualization services include:
■ Application Virtualization Services
■ Windows Client Lifecycle Services
■ Infrastructure Services Portfolio Assessment
■ Server, Desktop, and Storage Capacity
Planning Service
■ Infrastructure Architecture Assessment
Service
■ Performance Engineering Service
■ Citrix/Thin Client Services
■ Server Rationalization Service
■ Storage Optimization Service
■ Desktop Management Service
■ Data Center Consolidation & Migration
Services
■ Server Infrastructure Management Service
■ Virtual Server Management
■ Storage Area Network (SAN) Management
Service
Using an ITIL process framework Cognizant can accelerate the deployment of virtualization solutions. Cognizant is hardware and software vendor neutral and focuses on helping its clients
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optimize their virtualization deployment to gain better control over costs and management Finally, Cognizant can provide other valuable ancillary services since the company is a fast-growing Tier-1 IT service provider with over $2.14 billion in revenues and 61,000-plus professionals (as of year-end 2008).
Future Opportunities with Optimized
Virtualization
Today’s economic challenges, particularly the need to free up financial resources for future investment while increasing the agility of IT to align with evolving business goals, is driving the adoption of virtual technologies and a vision of a dynamic data center. Companies want to leverage increasingly sophisticated virtual technology to support on-demand computing, SOA, accelerate time-to-market, and improve business continuity and disaster recovery. Adopters of virtual technology are urged to take a holistic approach by creating a virtualization strategic plan and roadmap, which outlines the best means to put in place the building blocks of a dynamic data center environment. This plan should incorporate a strong foundation of machine virtualization (server & desktop) and storage virtualization, followed by network and
application virtualization. The logical launching pad for virtualization efforts is to conduct an audit to begin optimizing existing virtualization technology.
Virtualization is enterprise computing’s future. The current drive toward an Open Virtualization Format (OVF) standard will enable hardware and software to work on multiple hypervisors. In addition, hypervisors are being commoditized and at some point all PCS will come with hypervisors built in. Finally, many leading organizations are looking at virtualization as an important element in the implementation of a private cloud with virtual devices, CPUs, and I/Os.
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© Copyright 2009, Cognizant.All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the express written permission from Cognizant. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
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About Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is a leading provider of information technology, consulting and business process outsourcing services. Cognizant’s single-minded passion is to dedicate our global technology and innovation know-how, our industry expertise and worldwide resources to working together with clients to make their businesses stronger. With over 50 global delivery centers and 63,700 employees as of March 31, 2009, we combine a unique onsite/offshore delivery model infused by a distinct culture of customer sat-isfaction. A member of the NASDAQ-100 Index and S&P 500 Index, Cognizant is a Forbes Global 2000 com-pany and a member of the Fortune 1000 and is ranked among the top information technology companies in BusinessWeek’s Hot Growth and Top 50 Performers listings.
Start Today
For more information on how to drive your business results with Cognizant, contact us at
[email protected] visit our website at www.cognizant.com.
1. It costs less: Studies show that you can
build a complete virtualization solution that can host more than 50 virtual machines for the cost of 10-12 servers. 2. Consumes less power: For most
compa-nies, and especially for those which rely on distributed computing, power is among the highest of operational costs. In a virtualized environment, power costs are greatly reduced because there is less physical hardware needed.
3. Consumes less space: A smaller datacen-ter footprint means lower HVAC and real estate costs, as well as reduced infra-structure costs (fewer racks, cables). 4. Takes hours, not weeks: Deploying a new
physical server can often take weeks or even longer, whereas virtual machines can be deployed in just minutes. As a part of this, templates ensure standard soft-ware builds are deployed with greater consistency.
5. Less administrative overhead: Because virtual environments require less hard-ware than comparable non-virtualized options, there is also less hardware to manage. Moreover, virtual servers and their physical hosts are managed from a single user-friendly console.
6. High Availability: Virtual infrastructure environments provide a built-in, robust
failover capability. This provides virtual servers with an inherent resiliency that is normally found in more complex, clus-tered systems.
7. Footprint containment: In most enterprises, the average non-virtualized server in a dat-acenter runs at between 3% and 6% utiliza-tion. When additional servers are needed, virtual infrastructure environments allow you to more efficiently use and share hard-ware resources, which in turn reduces the datacenter footprint and enables much finer control in capacity planning.
8. Dynamic allocation of resources: Virtual infrastructure environments dynamically allocate compute resources based on demand. This enables server hardware to be used much more efficiently without sacrificing system performance.
9. Better utilization of IT staff: Virtual infra-structure environments require fewer staff to operate and manage. Thus, as your IT needs grow, your IT staff doesn't have to be overwhelmed.
10. Transparent to users: In most cases, implementing and transitioning to virtual-ized environments is completely trans-parent to end users. Moreover, once the transition is complete, subsequent hard-ware upgrades or changes remain trans-parent to end users.
