Category: Networking

Hyperconvergence
18
Nov2017

Why Hyperconvergence is the Hot Cake for IT Infrastructure?

HyperConvergence (Hyper-converged infrastructure), as the name suggests, is a combination of key IT services including Networking, Storage, Virtualization, and of course Computing. Traditionally, one needed at least four separate units and then a platform to ensure these four work in tandem. What if you are told all the four can be combined into one and you need no expert to manage all that. Sounds amazing! And it really is. Hyperconvergence certainly is the future where more efficiency is produced out of small and compact devices. It is available right now with trustworthy brands like Cisco in the form of Cisco Hyperflex.

Benefits of Hyperconvergence

Easy to set up

Since the technology of Hyperconvergence unifies multiple components, it has all those components packaged in a single Infrastructure, which can be managed by a single window. Now, it is evident that you just need a few things to plug in or set up instead of doing it all four to five times. The new generation Hyperconvergence solution from Cisco, the Hyperflex also includes networking automation besides computing and storage automation. Within minutes, you can set up and get started.

Easy administration

Managing multiple machines not only need multiple installation phases but ownership also remains with multiple hands, which can have its own challenges. This also gets all the processes like troubleshooting, upgrading, or sanitizing multiplied by the number of devices. Imagine a small fault of broken cable could put the entire system down. Not anymore. The Hyperconvergence technology, since is a single infrastructure, needs little attentional and virtually no administration. Cisco Hyperflex, for example, is best known for its features like traffic segmentation, QoS (Quality of Service) and multicast policies, smart automation, and auto-configuration to IPV4 and IPV 6 leave you with free hands.

Optimal Performance

Built on top of the single platform, the technology ensures optimum use of unique file structure to optimize the performance. Traditionally, one needed to monitor all the levels of devices and make changes accordingly for optimum output. Cisco, for example, uses generation 5 Cisco HyperFlex HX Data Platform which strips and distributes the data across the cluster, making all resource work to yield optimal I/O performance.

Reduced TCO

When all the operations are being performed in an efficient and machine handled way, they are supposed to provide the best possible output. With that, of course, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) comes down dramatically while you achieve better flexibility and more control over the system.

No experts required

Experts are needed to manage setup which is complex and throws lot many unknown issues. When you switch to Hyperconvergence, you get a simple interface. A few clicks and you are all set to sail. Now when everything is that simple, would you need an expert for round the clock administration? Not at all. You just need to get it set up once from a certified vendor like Proactive and then you can manage it all easily. You do not need experts, even generalists can do it all for you.

The reason, why you are recommended to get it set up by a certified vendor, is that you can always consult the vendor over the phone and can get any issue resolved.

Scalable and adaptable

Generally the SMBs fear that any technology upgrade will require a lot of investment both in terms of infrastructure and finances. But the Hyperconvergence is a true exception. It saves space as five devices get replaced by one. And of course, the money you need to maintain five versus one is much less from start to maintenance stage. It basically uses the technology that allows granular scalability which makes it even sweeter.

Scalability of HCI (Hyper-Converged Infrastructure) was one of the reasons why some people called it a failed system. But, in a recent study, Gartner has cleared the air on the scalability of Hyperconvergence along with several other myths. Hyperflex of Cisco provides independent scaling with the help of a variety of Cisco UCS servers as computing-only nodes to achieve the right balance of processing power and storage capacity for your workloads.

Cisco Hyperflex also comes with inbuilt native replication. It allows you to replicate your virtual machines to local or remote sites for backup or disaster recovery.

Integrated third-party storage

The Hyperconvergence technology allows you to connect the third-party enterprise storage directly to your cluster through Fibre Channel and IP network. No additional peripherals and you achieve better flexibility.

Lower maintenance

Systems generally start troubling after they have been set up. Maintenance is a key factor in any system and that is where the vendors look to make money. This pain point can be well rectified with the Hyperconvergence technology. Besides all the aforementioned benefits, the system needs little maintenance and has self-help programs. And if you have got it set up a system like Cisco hyperflex from Proactive, life becomes easier. Quick set up follows with a detailed instructional training to the team that will be operating it. Proactive also ensures that the services are regular and updates and communicated to the customer in a prioritized manner.

Why Proactive

Proactive is a proven industry leader when it comes to cloud computing. Being a service company, we begin by requirement analysis, move on with agile methodologies for design, development, and implementation, and then provide appropriate support to the customers. We are a Cisco Gold tier partner with ISO certification. Currently, we are catering to more than 253 prominent customers and many deals are lined up. Our round the clock support for customers is one of the USPs that set us apart from the competition.

Cisco Meraki Cloud Networking Solution
10
Oct2017

Cisco Meraki Cloud-Based Networking Solutions Save Time and Money

How do you manage the networking needs of five mining sites; 200 employees and 750 contractors spread across Western Australia with a two member IT team based out of Perth? That was the unique challenge faced by Tim Irimies, IT manager of Saracen Mineral Holdings. The gold mining company required a solution to manage its far flung operations. At four of the five mining sites, Saracen has dwelling villages for its mining contractors. It is critical for the company to establish secure network connectivity between the mines to ensure consistent flow of information. Robust internet connectivity in the mines is also necessary to allow the miners and contractors to connect and communicate from their remote locations. Irimies, while searching for the right solution came across Cisco Meraki, a cloud networking solution.

The Meraki solution was just right for Saracen’s need as it could easily be installed on site by a non-technician. It also required the least number of resources to manage the network. In fact, the existing Saracen’s two member IT team could monitor and troubleshoot all the installations from their office in Perth. Cisco Meraki’s cloud-managed networking solutions allows Irimies to see what is happening with network devices, client devices and connections in real time, across all the Saracen properties. He uses location analytics to check network usage and set permissions across the various deployments. Being a cloud networking solution, Meraki Dashboard allows Irimies to troubleshoot remotely as well.

Cisco Meraki provides cloud networking solutions, wireless management, switching and security solutions. Furthermore, Cisco Meraki’s real-time communication protocols enable network administrators to manage networks from the cloud, without sacrificing control and responsiveness. The Cisco Meraki cloud service already powers over tens of thousands of networks and connects millions of devices. Network managers across all enterprises are therefore turning to Cisco Meraki solutions as they:

  • Provide reliable client connections
  • Can sustain rapid growth of wireless
  • Overcome physical challenges of a building’s architecture
  • Support sophisticated network policies
  • Reduce Network management overhead
  • Are easy to deploy
  • Can have pre-configured network and AP settings
  • Are Plug and play when physically configuring APs
  • Provide savings over traditional physical networks

Advantages of Cisco Meraki

Network administrators get to enjoy the tremendous benefits of plug and play, cloud networking when they deploy Cisco Meraki solutions. Some areas where Meraki scores over traditional networking solutions include:

  • Rapid implementation and easy management
  • Unified view of the entire network regardless of the location of end devices
  • Rapid detection of problem devices and its easy exchange
  • Operational costs saving on:
  • Training for IT employees
  • Deploying staff in case of diverse geographic locations
  • Software upgrade of network devices
  • Replacement of devices in case of error
  • Anytime, anywhere network access

The Meraki Edge for Enterprises

Companies that have deployed Cisco Meraki solutions have reported immediate cost savings over almost every aspect of network management:

  • 60 – 80% Savings: The most significant reduction of costs while deploying Cisco Meraki cloud-managed switches is in:
    • Staging and Deployment: Unlike command-based configurations Meraki cloud-managed switches, it is not necessary to pre-stage hardware.
    • Support: The Meraki Dashboard includes remote troubleshooting tools that are easy to access and understand.
    • Software revision management: Meraki switches securely upgrade via the cloud during a convenient time window, thus doing away with manual updates required by traditional networks.
    • Energy Consumption: Reducing power consumption through PoE energy budgeting and port scheduling features reduces the costs of running switches and devices like access points.
  • 40 – 60% Savings: By using the Meraki Dashboard, companies save significantly on
    • Network Monitoring and Maintenance: Locate devices, users, and troublesome spots in the network with the Meraki dashboard, even in remote locations.
    • Security: Meraki switches make wired security easy to manage and configure with network-wide access policies that can apply to thousands of switches and ports.

Proactive for implementing Cisco Meraki

Proactive, with more than 21 years of IT implementation experience and a Cisco Tier 1 Recommended partner, is the right choice to help you implement the Cisco Meraki solutions. We are a certified Cisco Meraki Solutions Provider, and has already implemented seven to eight Meraki solutions for large enterprises. The company has a complete team to handle large projects; these include trained professionals from project managers to Cisco Meraki Network associates (CMNA).

Software Defined Network Helps Secure Network Virtualization
08
Aug2017

Secure Network Virtualization and Reduce Operational Costs with Software Defined Network (SDN)

Modern day enterprise networks have consequently transformed the way we live, work and play and this change seems to be unrelenting. An estimated 8.4 billion linked devices will be connected in 2017 according to Gartner. It is a rise of 31 percent from 2016. Analyzing the current trends, it will touch 20.4 billion by 2020. Also, a lot has been said about the rapid shift to Cloud computing and network virtualization spurring the growing demand for mobility and social collaboration.

So let us dwell on why it’s important to ensure security and support of your network that connects various devices and keeps information and communications flowing.

For decades, organizations have depended on the core network to connect systems and facilitate the flow of information. In this perspective, imagine the challenges with an old and rigid network architecture. It would not only be difficult to scale but will be out of sync with contemporary Software Defined Network (SDN) and software defined data center.

Software Defined Network – Scalable, Adaptable, Predictable, Manageable

SDN symbolizes the next generation of network automation and agility. IDC predicts that the worldwide network revenue is expected to grow 3.5% to touch USD 43 billion in 2017. Clearly, this growth will be fuelled by software defined networking that is not only seen as an agent for business innovation and agility; but it has evolved as a driver for exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The Indian market is opening up to SDNs. Gartner has reported IT Infrastructure spend in India is expected to reach USD 2.2 billion in 2017; a 1.5 percent rise from 2016. In fact, enterprise networking is the largest segment poised for growth. Due to this trend, the revenue is expected to peak at USD 1.1 billion in 2017.

The dilemma is that most company networks simply weren’t planned for this new business atmosphere. Most networks lack efficiency, are poorly utilized and require a great deal of manual handling that slows new development.

Having a network that is secure, integrated and agile to quickly adjust to rapidly evolving workload demands, flexibly and dynamically is an imperative requirement. And that’s what Proactive’s Software Defined Networking Solutions are all about.

Monitoring Customer Experience and Business Performance

While security is crucial to prevent cyber-attacks, protection is also an overriding factor for organizations. The challenge is to automate their networks without compromising customer experience and business performance.

This is where Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (API) distinguishes itself for a rather integrated approach to leveraging all of the data that flows through the network for gaining visibility that only the network can offer. The Cisco solution will help you

  • Automate IT workflows
  • Develop programmable SDN framework
  • Enforce the policy
  • Deploy, scale, and move applications flawlessly across multiple hybrid data centers.

As digital services increasingly push business processes, Cloud technology is shaping to be a fundamental factor. To address this, Cisco CloudCenter (formerly CliQr) helps you to more safely deploy and manage applications in data center, private Cloud, and public cloud environments.

Building, Deploying and Scaling

When it comes to planning, building, deploying and scaling, Proactive is uniquely poised with our Network Virtualization and Automation solutions. We help you to change through innovation.

As a Cisco Gold Certified Partner, we work with you to know your business objectives. Then we put together a roadmap with a detailed plan to get you there.

Our team of Cisco specialists help you to confidently plan, deploy, and scale your new, protected and automated network. Leverage the expertise of a Proactive Software Defined Networking expert who recognizes and understands the complexities of your multi-vendor network.

Recognized as Tier 1 Associate for Cisco SDN technology, we’re with you at every step of your software defined network. From preparedness assessment and designs to automation tools; our solution includes Cisco Nexus switch, data center switches and application on routers to digitize your services delivery and support multi-vendor products.

Having executed some of the most complex projects, it is a matter of great pride that Proactive has been awarded Customer Satisfaction honour from Cisco year on year resulting in the bulk of our business coming from repeat contracts.

If you or your organization is looking for expert advice on getting started with Software Defined Network, get in touch, we’d be eager to help.