They call it big data for a reason: big data or data analytic applications can grow fast and consume a lot of horsepower.
For that reason, enabling big data solutions to your existing IT ecosystem can end up costing you more than you bargained for in terms of performance impact on your other mission-critical business applications. At Rolta AdvizeX, we recommend that retailers think small when it comes to data analytic solutions: smaller opex, smaller capex, and smaller projects that can quickly be scaled as more business users tap into the business insights driven by the vast amount of data sources.
Converged infrastructure systems that combine processing and networking in a single appliance are ideal for big data applications. They’re small, powerful, simple to manage, and scale easily as processing demands increase. Some systems, such as HP’s ConvergedSystems, are even designed specifically for big data solutions (e.g., ConvergedSystem 300 for Microsoft Analytics, ConvergedSystem 900 for SAP HANA), enabling retailers to purchase and install a completely configured big data solution in less than 30 days. Just try doing that with racks of commodity hardware!
Although a converged infrastructure is suited to many types of applications, from desktop virtualization to private clouds, here are six reasons why it’s especially well suited to big data.
Faster performance
The most common requirement we hear for big data applications is “we need answers and we need them now.” A converged infrastructure reduces latency on complex analytics performed across multiple data sources. These varied data sources, essentially can co-exists in a single system, instead of being spread out throughout the various systems in your retail enterprise. The result? Fast answers, even when you’re searching through terabytes of data.
Tighter security
One of the advantages of having everything (servers, data, etc.) consolidated is it’s easier to protect. CRM databases and transactional data typically reside on different systems, which can increase their exposure to hackers. Think of a converged infrastructure as a giant safe for your most valuable data; one lock secures it all.
Fewer people
This is about reducing complexity, not headcount. In a traditional IT environment, the storage people and the networking people need to agree with the server people before a solution comes together. With a converged system, everything is already together, so fewer people need to get involved in managing it, resulting in faster deployment and fewer headaches.
Better balance
There is a lot of load balancing that takes place when you’re using a shared IT system with multiple applications. Using a dedicated, converged appliance for big data means workloads are automatically balanced for optimal performance.
Lower cost
This is often the most obvious benefit, and the most attractive to CFOs. Buying an all-in-one appliance saves retailers considerable money in terms of initial hardware costs, implementation/integration costs, and ongoing maintenance. In some cases, it can even save money on software licensing costs.
Unlimited scalability
The thing about big data is you know it’s going to get bigger: more data, more sources, more integration with real-time operational processes. A converged system lets you add capacity where you want it—processing and networking—so you only pay for what you need, and use what you pay for.
Although a converged infrastructure system can accelerate your adoption of big data, an experienced partner can make sure you’re moving in the right direction. At Rolta AdvizeX, we help retailers plan, build, and manage big data solutions to get better results, faster. With hundreds of consultants and a proven methodology, we can assist with sizing and configuring your converged appliance, developing a big data roadmap that aligns with your business goals, installing hardware and software, and managing your big data environment for lower opex and higher performance. ▪