Stack solutions like VCE’s Vblock, NetApp’s FlexPod and HP’s Converged Infrastructure look to bust the traditional silos of IT and create pools of resources. While solutions can be shipped as a single SKU (see David Floyer’s Rule of One), it does not mean that the infrastructure is now an iPad with an “instant-on” button. If companies truly want to squeeze the value out of new infrastructure investments, they should do even more planning prior to acquisition and deployment than is typically done with non-converged solutions.

Vblocks and FlexPod solutions are being successful in the marketplace due to strong engagement with systems integrators, adoption from service providers and solutions documentation specific to the applications that customers will deploy.

With proper planning, stacks can be deployed and expanded faster than disparate pieces that are put together. Support of the new infrastructure puts pressure on traditional organizational structure in enterprises and vendors.

Specifically, while converged stacks should be able to be managed by IT generalists (and there is affinity towards virtualization administrators taking this role), there still must be expertise available at the customer and vendor(s) that can troubleshoot when something goes wrong.

Services Angle

Pre-configured and better-integrated solutions can shift dollars and people from simply turning on or keeping on the lights towards creating more business value and innovation. Intelligent systems integrators are leading the charge towards converged infrastructure where more dollars and focus can be given to delivering on applications rather than configuring custom environments for every customer.