Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• Which Windows Server deployment features work best with HCI?

  There are features in Windows Server 2016 that are specific to hyper-converged infrastructure, but many of the more basic functions also can be used to customize and improve HCI.  Continue Reading

• How does composable infrastructure fit in the data center?

  A programmable infrastructure offers data center admins even greater flexibility, lower costs and faster modification than converged and hyper-converged infrastructures.  Continue Reading

• Do the benefits of hyper-convergence outweigh the drawbacks?

  Much has been said about the inability to scale storage separately from other resources in a hyper-converged system, but are there any advantages to treating storage in this way?  Continue Reading

• Why is the hyper-converged infrastructure definition so varied?

  The definition of hyper-converged infrastructure has evolved as the technology has grown. But the phrase still means different things depending on who you talk to.  Continue Reading

• How can I decide between converged and hyper-converged infrastructures?

  Is a converged or hyper-converged deployment the best option for you? While both infrastructures are similar, there are key differences in use cases and deployment.  Continue Reading

• Is Storage Spaces Direct a viable alternative to hyper-convergence?

  Windows Storage Spaces Direct can act like a hyper-converged system, but it's more do-it-yourself hyper-convergence, and may not offer all that you need in an HCI product.  Continue Reading

• How will the hyper-converged data center affect storage admin roles?

  Despite easier provisioning and policy-based management, the unique knowledge held by storage administrators remains essential in the age of hyper-convergence.  Continue Reading

• How does converged infrastructure management affect IT?

  Converged infrastructures eliminate technology silos in the data center. But organizational silos also need to be broken down to realize the technology's benefits.  Continue Reading

• Is customizing a hyper-converged platform a good idea?

  How much flexibility do you have with hyper-converged systems when it comes to data storage? Discover how to deal with changing hyper-converged resource requirements.  Continue Reading

• Do hyper-converged platforms have scalability limitations?

  Hyper-converged architectures let users scale easily by adding nodes as needed, but it's important to be aware of vendor- and hypervisor-specific limitations.  Continue Reading

• Can a VDI strategy be streamlined with hyper-convergence?

  Virtual desktop infrastructure environments are complex and have to work with many variables. A hyper-converged infrastructure can reduce costs and complexity in a VDI project.  Continue Reading

• Can a hyper-converged appliance be multi-hypervisor?

  It's possible to design hyper-converged hardware to run several hypervisors at the same time, but various factors make this a scenario we're unlikely to see for some time.  Continue Reading

• What hyper-converged architecture features are most important?

  When evaluating your options for a hyper-converged architecture, simplicity, resilience and scalability are some factors that should top your shopping list.  Continue Reading

• How can I fix VSAN performance problems?

  Users dealing with poor VMware VSAN performance should review their hardware configuration.  Continue Reading

• How do I manage VM resources in hyper-converged systems?

  Hyper-converged systems are growing in popularity, but the setup of virtual environments can result in wasted VM resources.  Continue Reading