Event Recap
RECAP | Data center operations in the world of hybrid IT: On-prem - Colo - Cloud
The challenge of managing hybrid platform operations is becoming much more commonplace, per the attendees of this round table. The group had a spirited discussion about the challenges and how each was managing their hybrid environment.
The overall approach being used by UI members was to “trust then verify” the services being provided by Colo or Cloud providers. You need to be able to prove when things aren't available or operating normally. Roundtable members reported instances where they’ve had disagreements with the cloud vendors about availability from their perspective.
The two primary methods used to track delivery quality were:
All participants agreed that meaningful, specific, and documented SLA metrics were critical as the baseline of measurement for real-time DCIM monitoring. It is very important that these metrics are negotiated and understood by all parties, before entering a hybrid relationship, and that the facilities operations team is included in these negotiations.
Cooling management presented a significant facilities challenge, especially in top-of-cabinet and end-of-row locations. Round table members often installed their own temperature monitoring systems. Power monitoring via intelligent power strips has also been put in place by many, rather than solely using the platform provider information. Both monitoring tools are used as a check-and-balance. Also, a big transition and learning curve has been relying on smart hands and not having their own technicians on site, to detect issues and quickly resolve problems.
Additionally, network physical connectivity of the cloud providers has caused a significant amount of service interruptions, which has caused some participants to manage their own physical infrastructure in the colocation environment.
The overall take-away of the round table was: Managing a hybrid environment is increasingly becoming the norm, and requires clear KPIs and a structured operations approach, with real time stand-alone infrastructure monitoring, to ensure consistent delivery.
The overall approach being used by UI members was to “trust then verify” the services being provided by Colo or Cloud providers. You need to be able to prove when things aren't available or operating normally. Roundtable members reported instances where they’ve had disagreements with the cloud vendors about availability from their perspective.
The two primary methods used to track delivery quality were:
- SLA compliance tracking with in depth quarterly reviews
- utilizing a standalone DCIM platform approach to provide real time monitoring, customization and often at a lower cost than if provided by colo provider.
All participants agreed that meaningful, specific, and documented SLA metrics were critical as the baseline of measurement for real-time DCIM monitoring. It is very important that these metrics are negotiated and understood by all parties, before entering a hybrid relationship, and that the facilities operations team is included in these negotiations.
Cooling management presented a significant facilities challenge, especially in top-of-cabinet and end-of-row locations. Round table members often installed their own temperature monitoring systems. Power monitoring via intelligent power strips has also been put in place by many, rather than solely using the platform provider information. Both monitoring tools are used as a check-and-balance. Also, a big transition and learning curve has been relying on smart hands and not having their own technicians on site, to detect issues and quickly resolve problems.
Additionally, network physical connectivity of the cloud providers has caused a significant amount of service interruptions, which has caused some participants to manage their own physical infrastructure in the colocation environment.
The overall take-away of the round table was: Managing a hybrid environment is increasingly becoming the norm, and requires clear KPIs and a structured operations approach, with real time stand-alone infrastructure monitoring, to ensure consistent delivery.
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