Next-generation data centre

What is a next-generation data centre?

Data centres are largely virtualised and spread across multiple geographical sites and public, private and hybrid cloud environments. These data centres are evolving. Thanks to advanced technology such as predictive analytics and machine learning, the data centre of today becomes smarter and more capable.

Deploying, securing and connecting next-generation data centres is a complex task. Designing the data centre for the cloud era, optimal user experience, maximum agility, performance, security, simplicity and automation requires multi-disciplined, skilled engineers. Today, vendors offer a number of data centre architectures and technology, such as Cisco ACI, Juniper Networks MetaFabricTM, and Arista, using standard open API or proprietary interfaces. Selecting the right data centre technology and vendor is not as simple as it seems.

Transforming your data centre

A lot needs to change when transforming a data centre from legacy to a modern cloud infrastructure:

  • Migrate from a siloed data centre to pooled resource virtualisation, even for network functions such as security, load-balancing and DPI;
  • Automated as opposed to manual operations;
  • Centralised management and orchestration;
  • Integrated and distributed security by design.

When designing a next-generation data centre it is important to consider all current requirements, but perhaps more importantly, all future requirements as well. It is important to go for a holistic approach that includes:

  • Cloud underlay networking;
  • Cloud overlay networking;
  • Dedicated and secure connections to multi-cloud environments;
  • Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) for virtual machine mobility and geo-redundancy utilising all DCI WAN links simultaneously;
  • Next-generation firewall with intrusion detection capabilities;
  • Application delivery control for optimal performance and user experience;
  • Network automation capabilities for maximised time to market and lowest OPEX.
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The loosely coupled architecture

The loosely coupled architecture means that data centre modules should be open to ensure interchangeability and interoperability. They should be simple and contained for maximum flexibility. The least amount of integration required between modules, the better for providing easy integration and changeability, and high flexibility.

Focus for your next-gen data centre

Agility

Data centre architecture must be based on open APIs and standardised interfaces for maximum agility. Every component works with other components, but no component is irreplaceable. Critical components are the IP fabric, EVPN DCI, network overlay, orchestration, virtualized network functions, compute, hypervisor, integration and support.

Simplicity

Create a simple architecture. Keep the components simple, contained and loosely coupled, to avoid complexity. Data centre architecture components remain interchangeable, the system is easier to control and manage and has optimal mileage.

Automation

Any complexities remaining in the system are abstracted away, to create a single, centralised orchestration and management console. This simplifies the use and management of the system without imposing constraints and prepares the system for automation.

Security

Protecting enterprise users, applications, data and the network should be an integral part of any data centre architecture. Our data centre security solutions include enterprise network segmentation, next-generation firewalling including IDS capabilities, web application firewalling and DDoS protection.

Next-generation data centre

Business benefits

Simplify IT operations with a next-generation cloud infrastructure. Deliver greater strategic value to the business with a fully automated, scalable and predictable infrastructure that lowers operating expenses by up to 67%.

Reduce costs and time to market with new services.

Avoid vendor lock-in by taking advantage of our multi-vendor capabilities.

Futureproofing to fit your current and future technical and business requirements.

An end-to-end solution for your data centre, incorporating design and architecture, technology selection, deployment, integration, migration, support and maintenance services.

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