Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Boundaries Can Be Better Protected
Consolidation allows improved security by minimizing the transmis-
sion of data between services and reducing the surface area of exposure.
When each information silo must possess copies of sensitive data for its
own operations, the potential for accidental exposure is much greater
than when data is secured within a central store that is transmitted only
through tightly controlled access. Not only is it easier to maintain and
update a smaller number of systems within a consolidated network, it is
also easier to justify capital expenses for defensive technologies to harden
the data center network and to provide adequate bandwidth for remote
sites that will no longer have all resources sited locally.
Consolidation Extends Beyond Centralization
While backups, updates, and maintenance can be performed more
rapidly within a centralized site, care must be taken to avoid isolating
remote sites from access to necessary services. Authentication and user
provisioning for remote sites require planning and may include addi-
tional technologies to offset slow or intermittent network access. Higher-
bandwidth always-on solutions such as cable modem and DSL service are
reducing the dependency on demand-dial modem networks and dedi-
cated telephony-based lines, but mobile users and remote sites may still be
isolated from full-time, dependable connectivity. The lead architect must
have a clear understanding of the network before moving resources to a
consolidated model.
Facilities Must Be Adequate
Beyond network connectivity, consolidation projects rely heavily on
adequate facilities for the consolidated hardware. Data center and server
targets for consolidated services are often more robust than their depart-
mental counterparts, requiring greater capacity for power and thermal
dissipation. Soaring energy costs can create cost overruns for consolidated
architectures, because ambient air movement is typically not sufficient to
cool most data centers even though individual departmental servers may
be able to sit in a refitted closet without a need for dedicated air condi-
tioning. Not only do servers consume a great deal of power, they generate
