Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The savvy planner must constantly watch for opportunities and pit-
falls presented by partnering solutions, and avoid being taken unawares
by emerging regulatory mandates or upcoming potential mergers requir-
ing connectivity with partner organizations. It is here that standards must
be applied throughout the data center and the organization's networked
resources at every stage, so that it is not a sudden scramble to implement
connectivity on a truncated timetable because of a new partnership.
By planning proactively for partnerships, the lead architect can act
to improve business agility as well as the potential for success in future-
state strategic planning efforts. Although the creation of a standard Data
Center Markup Language (DCML) remains in a nascent state, following
accepted standards such as the PCI Data Security Standards can help
prepare to meet the virtual neighbors.
Data Center Management
Internal users are most aware of changes to their desktop, but an organi-
zation is most affected by changes in the data center. Solutions imple-
mented within the data center affect internal users, external users, partner
interconnectivity, and even the way in which the organization commu-
nicates with itself. Many of the “low-hanging fruit” projects in an enter-
prise are focused within the data center, where divergent authentication
systems and server sprawl increase complexity and cost.
Tip:
Changes to the user's desktop operating system or user productivity
suite are most likely to concern users, while changes within the data cen-
ter are most likely to concern information technology implementers. The
lead architect must work to control this reaction before, during, and after
planned changes to the data center. Training is critical for both technolo-
gists as well as users in order to ensure that the proper skills are in place
prior to need.
Consolidation
Consolidation into a centralized or limited number of shared data cen-
ters provides the most obvious step for dealing with disparate silos of
