Organizations are starting to recognize the benefits of adopting software-defined solutions into their technology stack. Environments can be set up with software-defined architectures that make them faster and reduces the time it takes to accomplish tasks like modifying physical networks, adding storage capacity, or setting up a new physical server. First, let’s look at popular software-defined solutions currently in use. From there, we’ll explore some use cases for software-defined solutions.
Software-defined storage (SDS) architecture separates storage used for software from the underlying hardware. SDS differs from other systems like network-attached storage by having the ability to perform on any industry-standard system, meaning that software doesn’t require any dependency on the underlying hardware.
You achieve more flexibility by separating software storage from system hardware, making it easier to adapt your applications to new business requirements. In addition, the combination of programmability and resource flexibility lets you work with policy-based management for supporting resources. You can also automate reassigning and provisioning storage capacity.
Hypervisor-based — Integrates with hypervisor software to replicate virtual machines and disks to other storage locations or another hypervisor.
Your organization can benefit from using software-defined storage in the following ways:
Software-defined networking uses APIs or software-based controllers to communicate with system hardware and route network traffic. There’s no need for dedicated hardware switches. Instead, SDNs use software to create and control a virtual network. They can also control traditional hardware. SDN lets organizations direct data packets through a centralized server.
Using an SDN versus traditional networking expands the technical capabilities of companies in the following ways:
Software-defined security extracts the functions of network security devices over to a software set-up. Instead of relying on hardware, you can work with access controls, intrusion detection, network segmentation, and other services through software-defined security while enhancing network security.
Software-defined security offers an advantage to organizations by:
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had to shift to working remotely, which meant more videoconferencing. Many discovered the weaknesses in their legacy equipment and infrastructure, which often could not support the need for a combined voice, video, and data environment. Companies found issues with traditional routers, servers, and firewalls.
Many businesses also ran into issues with wireless connections and having enough capacity to complete online business functions. When they looked into scaling, they discovered that their outdated equipment needed to be expanded to meet their current and future needs.
Software-defined solutions can help by allowing companies to virtualize networking environments and centralize control functions. That made it possible to expand services as needed by using SDNs to optimize video conference performance and extend its availability to accommodate more users.
Healthcare companies must comply with standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Organizations looking to set up an online electronic health records system can use a combination of software-defined security and software-defined software to comply with the security requirements for sensitive patient information while maintaining data consistency. That way, health providers can manage patient data security while saving money on security and hardware costs.
Healthcare companies must comply with standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Organizations looking to set up an online electronic health records system can use a combination of software-defined security and software-defined software to comply with the security requirements for sensitive patient information while maintaining data consistency. That way, health providers can manage patient data security while saving money on security and hardware costs.
Healthcare companies must comply with standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Organizations looking to set up an online electronic health records system can use a combination of software-defined security and software-defined software to comply with the security requirements for sensitive patient information while maintaining data consistency. That way, health providers can manage patient data security while saving money on security and hardware costs.
Healthcare companies must comply with standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Organizations looking to set up an online electronic health records system can use a combination of software-defined security and software-defined software to comply with the security requirements for sensitive patient information while maintaining data consistency. That way, health providers can manage patient data security while saving money on security and hardware costs.
R2 Unified Technologies helps organizations achieve excellence through future-facing technology. Find out more about how our team of experts can find solutions most suited to your environment by setting up a consultation.
