The SDDC combines virtualized compute, storage and networking resources with a standardized platform for managing the entire integrated environment.

Compute virtualization or server virtualization is well known to many organizations. Using a hypervisor, compute virtualization abstracts operating systems and applications from physical servers. As a result, administrators can use virtual machines (VMs) to run multiple distinct applications and operating systems on a single server. Organizations have used compute virtualization for over a decade to reduce server sprawl and improve resource utilization.

For more information on virtualization, see "Virtualization: A Complete Guide."

Like server virtualization, storage virtualization pools resources, eliminating islands of disconnected storage systems. Virtualized storage improves flexibility and scalability because you can provision storage from the pool, often without having to purchase new capacity. You can also allocate storage dynamically, giving each application the capacity it needs on demand.

Network virtualization enables you to independently provision and manage physical hardware networks. That abstraction of resources decreases provisioning time and enhances flexibility, allowing you to more easily move workloads across data centers without physical constraints. The right network virtualization solution will also incorporate security capabilities to safeguard networks and isolate workloads.

The SDDC integrates these virtualization layers, creating a single, hyperconverged environment that facilitates the delivery of IT resources as a service regardless of whether the SDDC is deployed in a private, public or hybrid cloud environment. A single management platform standardizes management across the virtualization layers and enables policy-based automation that simplifies operations.

For an overview of virtualization technology, see our video "Virtualization Explained":

Implementing an SDDC architecture can offer both short- and long-term benefits. The primary short-term benefit is agility. With an SDDC, you can dramatically reduce the time needed to provide new resources. It no longer takes days or weeks to set up a new physical server, provide more storage capacity to an application or modify physical networking. Policy-driven automation can further accelerate provisioning, enabling you to deploy resources in minutes.

An SDDC can also help improve infrastructure performance. It allows you to optimize compute, storage and networking for each application and workload without having to make physical changes to the infrastructure.

In the long term, the SDDC helps control costs. Pooling resources improves infrastructure utilization and enables you to avoid new infrastructure purchases. Better utilization also means less infrastructure sits idle, consuming real estate, power and cooling. If you implement an SDDC using hybrid or public cloud infrastructure, you could shift from a CAPEX to an OPEX model, avoiding large up-front capital expenditures.

Adopting an SDDC approach also helps establish a path toward infrastructure and application modernization. Standardizing on a single management platform enables easier integration of new technologies and migration of workloads to cloud environments.

Before you implement an SDDC, be sure you understand the potential challenges that could jeopardize your return on investment.

The primary hurdle is gaining cross-functional agreement. Standardization across teams is crucial to adopting SDDC, but many traditional IT organizations are bound by siloed processes and policies that make standardization difficult. Getting procurement teams, development teams, IT analysts, system administrators and others aligned on new tooling and processes can take time. Nonetheless, the payoff in efficiency, innovation and total cost of ownership can be immense when SDDC is fully adopted.

Once standardization has been accepted across your organization, there are also technical challenges. For example, switching to a new environment could result in some application downtime. Planning to implement components of the SDDC in phases could minimize the risk of downtime. A cloud-based SDDC could also allow you to test new virtualization layers cost-effectively before bringing the entire environment into production.

Going forward, virtualizing new infrastructure layers, such as storage and networking, will require your operations team to change their existing processes and workflows. Your administrators might face a learning curve as they prepare to manage the new environment and use new tools. Adopting a cloud-based SDDC that employs familiar tools can help reduce the learning curve.

Cloud services can help address challenges and speed the move to an SDDC architecture. By implementing an SDDC on cloud-based infrastructure, you can reduce the time and risks of rearchitecting your existing infrastructure.

Similarly, by adopting cloud-based management tools, you can eliminate the time needed to install those tools on local infrastructure. If the cloud provider offers the tools and interfaces your administrators currently use, you can avoid the learning curve. Administrators can continue using those tools to manage cloud-based resources just as they would on-premises. 

A cloud-based SDDC also helps control costs by avoiding the purchase of physical infrastructure. For example, you could establish an entirely new environment in the cloud and eliminate all capital expenditures. Or you could leverage your existing infrastructure in a hybrid environment, using the cloud to expand your resources without buying and deploying more physical systems.

By tapping into cloud-based infrastructure, you can scale up capacity and access the latest technologies without constantly upgrading your physical systems. Deploying an SDDC in the cloud helps you deliver exceptional application performance and sufficient capacity to support data growth while avoiding large capital expenditures.

You can also retain control over your environment. When business users and developers adopt public cloud services without IT oversight, they can create new security, governance, and regulatory problems. With the right cloud-based SDDC, you can access cloud resources while ensuring everyone complies with internal policies and external regulations.

What should you look for in a cloud-based SDDC provider? The right provider will offer familiar management tools and interfaces, so your organization does not have to spend time and money learning new management software.

The right provider will also have the expertise you need for a seamless transition to the new environment. You can work with the provider to implement a hybrid environment quickly so you can start benefiting from the new architecture right away while continuing to use your existing infrastructure.

The right provider will also have the flexibility to support a range of SDDC and hardware configurations. The provider should offer managed and unmanaged options so you can choose whether to retain complete control of the environment or outsource administration. Ultimately, you should have the flexibility to implement an SDDC that meets your unique requirements.

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