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DatasheetVersion 1.0

August 2013

Tel: 0800 122 3140email: contact @cloudtalent.co.uk

www.cloudtalent.co.uk

The challenges of Server and Virtualisation

Version 1.1August 2013

Server and VirtualisationOur capabilities

Many of our customers have or intend to rationalise their server environments through virtualisation, application / infrastructure life cycling and outsourcing. These are often undertaken alongside major data centre programmes designed to reduce footprint, support and cost reduction. However, there a number of critical considerations to ensure a successful outcome.





Server ProjectsAchieve optimum virtualisation

levels

• Healthcheck and Strategy• Vendot Selection• Server Consolidation• Tiered Service Catalogue• Server Virtualisation• Process and tools for moving apps between



Feedback from the TReX forumFeedback from our Customer forum (TRex), together with our experience gained through project execution have highlighted a number of key challenges in the Server and Virtualisation arena.All see:

• Project based procurement model• One server – one application leading to physical

server sprawl• Very low resource utilisation (CPU, Memory)• Slow provisioning times• Concerns from businesses about the risk of

running multiple critical applications on a shared hardware platform

• Inefficientlegacyhardware(highpower,coolingand space requirements)

The CloudTalent ApproachIn our experience it is important to make the journey to a virtualised world in a programmatic fashion rather than working as a “skunk works” project using the same resources that run the day to day operations. Also a holistic view is important as there are knock on effects on the entire infrastructure service such as processes, policies, DR, storage and backup.

Physical complexity is being replaced by logical complexity and we have seen new issues being introduced through virtualisation projects (for example, storage devices not being able to cope with the increased density of workload).It is also important to work with the business to set expectations as some applications will never be successfully virtualised. We often see Client’s with a target position that is missing the “sweet spot” where optimum virtualisation levels are achieved, as the solution is either over or under engineered.

Inourexperience,theseprojectsdelivermaterialcostandservicebenefitsevenwiththecostofchangebeing

Some see:• Unaware of the range of physical server

hardware deployed• Need to reduce the number of Vendors• Not met virtualisation targets in all areas• No application lifecycle process resulting in

duplicate applications• Little or no requirement validation for new

projects• The impact of virtualisation on compliance

requirements is unclear• Unable to completely remove reliance on

Mainframe• Process documentation out of date or non-

existent• Monitoring, alerting and capacity management

not in place or ineffective

What to expect from CloudTalent

CloudTalenthasspecificworkpackets,detailedbelow,which are designed to improve:



1. Clear stakeholder agreed view of the Current Mode of Operation highlighting all issues, risks and costs (facilities, networks, server, storage, backup etc.)

2. Stakeholder agreed view of the strategic vision of all services and architectural principles reviewing in house v cloud v co-lo v outsource options

3. Detailed unbranded Future Mode of Operation for someone of similar diversity, maturity and scale

4. Clear project roadmap of initiatives to achieve the suggested Future Mode of Operation

5. High level business case for the transformation detailing quick wins and strategic wins



Server and Virtualisation - Typical Work Packets

Healthcheck and Strategy

Server and VirtualisationJourney to a virtualised world

Server Consolidation/ Transformation

1. Programme manage, Project manage streams and provide SME resource to complete server consolidation and transformation including migration planning and execution, updates to processes and runbooks (operational/DR), create HLD and LLD for new infrastructure components, testing plan and execution

2. Governance and reporting to IT exec and business as appropriate

3. Service mapping including application to server, server to storage/network etc.

Vendor Selection

1. Clear stakeholder agreed view of the current mode of operation

2. Clearly engineered technical and commercial requirements

3. World class RFP process, which is auditable, outcome oriented and based on fact

Tiered Service Catalogue

1. Clearly defined tiers with supporting serviceattributes and cost

2. Creation of demand management and provisioning processes to manage new capacity intake and the correct tier placement

Server Virtualisation

1. Work with relevant stakeholders in the business and IT to agree a list of applications that are no brainer candidates for virtualising and a list of applications that are no brainer candidates for not virtualising. Completeduediligenceonapplicationsthatdonotfitinto either bucket using relevant tools and interviews

2. Understand the bigger picture implications of the new environment on the end to end infrastructure service in terms of change costs (technology, process, resources etc) and feed into a transformation roadmap and business case

3. Build an unbranded high level design for the target environment that meet the agreed architectural principles

4. Complete low level design for the target environment5. Build transformation plan and detailed project plan

with supporting governance6. Complete the transformation work.



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server and virtualisation - avanade · atasheet version august tel email contact cloudtalentcouk ...

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