Utility infrastructure is the logical separation of operating systems and applications from physical servers, storage, processing power, and memory. The goal of this configuration is to improve capacity utilization and increase the agility of IT by allowing for the dynamic allocation of processing and storage to applications.
However, implementing a utility infrastructure has a distinct impact on asset planning and control. This note will help IT leaders prepare to address these challenges. Key topics include:
- Setting the groundwork for an IT chargeback model.
- Linking IT spending to business units.
- Implications for asset procurement.
- The benefits of standardization and virtualization.
- Shortcomings in network storage management.
- Near-term considerations for those enterprises moving towards a utility model.
Many of the topics discussed in this note will be valuable regardless of whether enterprises are considering a utility infrastructure or not. Trends such as server virtualization and the growing need to articulate IT value in terms of business initiatives are increasingly important for all IT departments.