MARK PETERS and I wrote a report recently on why storage as we’ve known it (read: Monolithic) is going the way of the dodo. I want to emphasise one particular point that apparently didn’t stand out enough to some readers: we aren’t making our claims because we believe “next gen” storage architectures “should” happen, we know that it HAS to happen. It’s only a matter of time.

The reason is simple: storage is a problem that impedes the ultimate goal in all this virtualisation hoopla, which is to create LIQUID IT. Utility computing models are what we are FINALLY going to end up with. Praise be to god.

Server virtualisation is just the tip of the iceberg–but it’s a mighty tip. It’s more of a key that has unlocked Pandora’s Box. It has shown the unwashed masses the light of what COULD be. (And what should be).

The “Cloud,” be it public, private, or hybrid, is the new term we use, which means a service enabled by ORCHESTRATING virtual (liquid, dynamic, autonomic – pick your phrase of choice) infrastructure to create IT UTILITY SERVICES!!!!! Can I have an amen!

An IT Utility – again, public, private, or hybrid – is an instant-on set of IT resources that has a known cost and a known functional performance level with a known (legitimate) SLA that can be put up or torn down as required. Hallelujah!

IT has found religion, and its foundation is virtualisation. The first order of virtual knights has used SERVER virtualisation to be the word of said god, but that is only one faction.

Server virtualisation is the great enabler, but only to start. Until ALL infrastructure is virtualised, connected together, and orchestrated holistically, we will not realise the total benefits before us.

This is the virtual revolution. Similar to the industrial revolution, it took time to undo all that had come before–it took decades to take hold. Once it did, the world changed forever. The impact of the virtual revolution may not be as great on a global basis, but what it enables for IT and the business IT supports is of the same magnitude.

Historic IT is horse and buggy. Piece by piece custom manufacturing. Virtualised IT is automated assembly lines and advanced robotics. It’s cars and planes. You can still ride a horse to work, but you’d be a jackass for doing it.

That’s why it’s inevitable that storage is the next IT industry area ripe for revolution. It simply has to happen. Storage is a gate to the IT Utility, and that simply won’t stand. The traditional storage industry is still building buggies, and trying to get you to hook it up to your car. They are nice buggies, very plush, very expensive, and custom built–but that’s not what you need.

We need storage to be as virtualised, distributed, orchestrated, and commoditised as servers (and networks) are. Otherwise it’s like buying a nice new Ferrari, and trying to make it run by stuffing hay into the tank. Looks good sitting there, but not really very functional. Eventually, any revolution worthy of the people will occur. Sometimes it’s bloody, sometimes peaceful, but in the end, you can’t hold back the inevitable.

This is the word according to me. Shallow be my fame.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Duplessie is the founder of and Senior Analyst at the Enterprise Strategy Group. Recognised worldwide as the leading independent authority on enterprise storage, Steve has also consistently been ranked as one of the most influential IT analysts. You can track Steve’s blog at http://www.thebiggertruth.com