Let's Get Standardized

The "C" word comes in three varieties: hardware, OS and database.

• Hardware-platform consolidation

Is there anywhere you can consolidate processor platforms? Many companies have a number of one-off, special-purpose servers that were purchased years ago. Perhaps it's viable to move the applications they run from, say, RISC to inexpensive x86 hardware. We're not going to debate the merits of individual platforms. We will say, however, that the more diverse systems you support, the more you will spend. Ideally, you should run only one or two server platforms.

First, pick a vendor for each supported processor platform. Many companies have already wisely chosen to use only one vendor for server hardware, saving them time and money. For instance, you may pick AIX and therefore IBM for RISC, and Dell for x86. One vendor per platform means that your administrators become familiar with technical support practices, warranties, configurations and particular vendor foibles. We are not advocating that you get out the chains and arc-weld yourself to a particular vendor; we are just saying that the vendor-of-the-week game can be detrimental to your data center and your sanity.

Links Storage & servers white papers Storage & servers research reports Storage & servers books "Servers: The Next Generation" "Veritas Software Unveils Utility Computing Model"

• OS consolidation

A server-consolidation project is a good excuse to reduce the number of operating systems in your data center. For example, it may be time to put your old SCO boxes out to pasture and move to Linux. Unfortunately, this often calls for an application upgrade and relicensing. The business case here is to get the most out of the server-consolidation benefits we outlined above.

The other main consideration in terms of OS consolidation is to make sure that your chosen OS platform(s) operate well on your preferred processor platforms. Sounds like a no-brainer, but remember: Just because a given OS runs on a particular processor platform, that doesn't mean it runs well or is widely supported. Solaris on x86 is a prime example, though Sun recently has shown growing warmth toward the x86 platform.

• Database consolidation

Databases can be the root cause of some of the server sprawl in your data center. Now may be the time to consolidate to one database platform to support all of your applications. This idea may be as politically charged as the server-consolidation project, but it will pay off: The simplification of your environment will reduce the need for custom integration because fewer databases will need to talk to one another (for a look at database area networks, or DANs, "Savantis Introduces Its DAN,").

Finally, apply common sense. If moving a given software system to a new OS overshadows the cost savings in the long term, don't do it. If there's a remote server that is impractical to move into your centralized data center, then leave it.

Server consolidation is not an end unto itself, nor is it an all-or-nothing game. Even partial consolidation can save money, increase efficiency, improve security and make your IT department better able to react to business changes. A little success goes a long way. Server consolidation will cause short-term pain, but it's the first step to long-term bliss.

Steven J. Schuchart JR. covers storage and servers for Network Computing. Previously he worked as a network architect for a general retail firm, a PC and electronics technician, a computer retail store manager and a freelance disc jockey. Write to him at sschuchart@nwc.com.

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