The utilization of Big Data is transforming the way companies utilize information for their strategies and operations, yet it also presents significant challenges within the Data Center. These challenges can manifest in various aspects of operations due to the disruptive nature of Big Data. However, the most prominent impact on the Data Center is observed in the infrastructure segment of operations.
Three significant obstacles in Big Data infrastructure
According to a report from Data Center Knowledge, Big Data is now influencing the development of infrastructure strategies in various areas of the Data Center, particularly in storage. The challenges posed by Big Data in terms of scale and performance are significant and cannot be ignored.
Accessibility
Big Data poses a significant infrastructure challenge as it relies on users accessing information from various sources, leading to structured and unstructured data entering the storage environment. This necessitates a more accessible storage environment compared to traditional models. The importance of cross-referencing data and establishing connections between key information pieces is emphasized with the increasing prominence of Big Data, highlighting the need for infrastructure models capable of handling diverse source systems for operational success.
Flexibility
The report emphasizes the close relationship between flexibility and accessibility in the context of Big Data. IT managers are faced with the challenge of managing capacity and performance, necessitating a storage environment that is both adaptable and responsive. The ability to make significant changes without a complete data migration is crucial, especially considering the impact of the business intelligence layer on storage functionality and performance.
Scalability
IT managers facing the challenge of quickly expanding capacity for Big Data must be able to scale without disrupting other storage systems. The scalability challenge is compounded by the necessity of adding structure to data stored in Big Data archives, with metadata alone creating significant capacity demands.
Tackling the Obstacles Presented by Big Data
To reduce expenses, it is important for IT managers to find ways to cut costs without compromising on their storage architecture. This can be achieved by avoiding unnecessary hardware upgrades, expensive support warranties, and ensuring a reliable and resilient storage setup that can function beyond the end-of-service-life dates of equipment.
