Data Center Evolution and Network Convergence (Spring 2011)

FC, FCoE, NAS, iSCSI, DCB, traditional LAN, internet/WAN, HPC, clusters, clouds, server virtualization, storage virtualization, network virtualization, and more are all colliding in your data center. Redundancy, resiliency, security, I/O consolidation, network convergence, dynamic application distribution, and thin provisioning with high levels of service are desired at all layers and all data center sizes across a broad spectrum of use cases. You worry about operational separation, buying decisions, investment protection, cost and energy savings, and evolving standards while maintaining very high levels of service and security. Is the technology evolving to a dream come true or a nightmare? If that doesn’t keep you up at night nothing will.

This tutorial will untangle, define, and illustrate the main ideas and concepts behind Data Center Evolution and Network Convergence to give context and a solid foundation for discussions with your vendors as well as for your further reading and investigation. The point of view taken for this presentation is that of the network and transport characteristics in the face of the changes taking place.