How hyperconverged servers differ from converged systems
While converged systems are separate components designed to work well together, hyperconverged servers are modular systems designed to evolve by adding additional modules. These systems are designed primarily around storage and computation in a single chassis of x86 servers interconnected by high-speed 10 Gbit Ethernet network interfaces. It’s not just a stack of material in a single chassis. The two main differences are 1) the software-defined storage (SDS), which benefits from the flexibility and performance of the underlying hardware. and 2) the management layer, which controls all the storage resources, calculation and networking from a single point of administration. A third factor relates to scalability, or according to the long-term planning, scale-out of the capacity, that is to say to changing either by adding existing modules, or by interconnecting servers together to form a logical aggregation of multiple hyperconverged servers, they can contain each multiple server blades with their processor, memory, storage, and network interfaces, as offered with its range of HP servers HyperConverged Systems HC-200.

Implementation: express!
Another aspect is often overlooked, but it is important: all manufacturers offer hyperconverged deals whose components have been carefully selected and their operation validated. This is not only to propose an offer a single support service, but also to simplify deployment. All the hyperconverged servers are preset and pre-installed to be deployed within fifteen minutes! An IP address for the start, followed by some identifiers is generally enough at a minimal level to be operational on the business level and the current Active Directory . The next step consists of installing or migrating application software and to adjust where necessary, their levels of tolerance/redundancy and charge balancing. Witha single dashboard to administer all of it.

Two ways of understanding hyperconvergence
The principle path to getting equipped with a hyperconverged server consists of outfit yourself with a prefabricated system such as those offered byHP, Nutanix, SimpliVity or Scale Computing. It’s the simplest and least risky way advized if your activity depends on it. In case you wish to create a custom solution, you can take the server’s existing hardware base (available at Supermicro or CARRI Systems) and combine software approaches to it and thus, create your own hyperconverged server. Software offerings such as VMware’s VSAN and HP’s StoreVirtual are intended for customers wanting more control in the design of their hyperconverged system. With this self-service approach, you will be able to select your server’s manufacturer and your preferred software setup, as long as the hardware is supported by the software vendor.

Disadvantages of hyperconverged systems
On paper, hyperconverged servers have a lot to offer. They are not, however, exempt from inconveniences. Their “black box” aspect, combined hardware and software prevent bringing substantial modifications to the latter. If the manufacturers are eager to propose the most balanced appliances possible, the possibilities of configurations to gain performance are limited. Similarly, if the appliance has a functional imbalance, in computing power or regarding storage, it’s difficult to correct it other than by adding another appliance to compensates for the defect. A default which may not be initially evident, but becomes apparent in the course of operation, once application migrations and virtualization of physical servers have already been made.

Conclusion
Despite these reservations, hyperconverged servers have valuable qualities vis-à-vis the modular approach which have prevailed up to now. Among its decisive advantages is the simplification of the infrastructure, the coherence favoring performance and the single administration interface, as well as lower general and administrative expenses and simplified vendor management for highly virtualized environments. Before taking the plunge, it is advized to verify possible gaps in relation to your existing operating environment in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.