Traditionally all layers of computing environments have been static, configured (usually manually) to support a single computing solution. This is a result of all components being treated as products, installed and configured for specific computers. For example, hardware is assigned for specific uses (i.e., web server or database); the OS is tied to the hardware (one box runs Windows, the other a Unix OS); and storage is designated to specific locations. On top of all this are the applications, which are installed to run inside this specific, static environment. There are significant testing requirements since all layers of this environment have to be hard-coded to work with one another.
The result is a tightly bound configuration that does not adapt well to changes in business needs or to the introduction of new and updated applications.
Virtualization frees each element of the system from the other. Each layer can use resources generically – and does not need to be configured for specific systems. Each element no longer has an assigned identity or role, such as a server running only engineering's data. Instead, each element is dynamically assigned to whatever purpose or task most needs the resources.
SoftGrid plays an integral role in Virtual IT by enabling existing applications to be dynamically delivered and managed as virtual services, without any new development or re-write of source code. Recent research by IDC and Microsoft indicate that application administrators traditionally spend over 60% of their time on manual management. SoftGrid's virtual technology reduces this drastically by eliminating many management steps.
Applications are turned into on-demand utilities that are as easy to use as electricity. They are no longer tied to specific systems and departments, and can be used on any system, in real-time, on an as-needed basis. This makes it easy to dynamically add, update and support applications and systems, creating the foundation for a much more nimble, competitive business environment, using minimal time and resources.
SoftGrid's SystemGuard™ technology enables applications to run on computers without the need to install – and without altering the host operating system of the computer the applications are running on. Applications effectively are freed from being tied to specific systems and departments, and can be used on any system, in real-time, on an as-needed basis. In essence, SoftGrid enables you to turn enterprise IT into a service bureau that provisions and manages applications as services, on demand, to the desktop.
