Transforming Network Infrastructure Week in Review: HP, 451 Research, Pluribus Networks

It's a shortened week for a lot of people this week, but it doesn't mean a shortage of news going around. That's especially true when it comes to transforming network infrastructure, a practice that never truly sleeps. So before tucking into that pile of presents under the tree, tuck into a big pile of news instead as we run down the biggest events of the week that was with our Week in Review coverage!

First, we had a look at Pluribus Networks' plan to step up its software defined networking (SDN) offering with a new architectural approach. Known as Virtualization-Centric Fabric (VCF), and designed for use in its Netviser OS for open switches, VCF delivers a complete virtualized connectivity, regardless of how many components are involved. Using both Virtual Port and Virtual Net segmentation, the end result allows the whole fabric to operate as one entity for easier use.

Next, we looked at the increasing demand in data center interconnect that was expected for data centers to come in the next several months, and word from 451 Research showed this was set for some big upswing. Growth is particularly expected from 25 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 50 GbE switches, though the oddly-sized 40 GbE was set to see plenty of use in the field as well. Hyper-convergence, meanwhile, was set for a bit of a drop owing to too much focus in storage.

Best practices caught our attention next as we looked at the five best practices for both optimizing cloud and virtualization strategies. Putting these tools to work to focus on business resiliency was the first practice, followed by using these tools to adjust the economics of the data center. Using cloud and virtualization tools to focus on resources and users was next, as was encouragement to plan around overall capacity with an eye toward future growth, future-proofing operations. Finally, don't forget to carry out regular system tests to make sure everything is running as it should be.

Finally, we had a look at the two biggest names in cloud computing data center hardware. That HP and Cisco were top of the heap, according to word from Synergy Research, likely won't surprise anyone, but the extent of the control might. HP represents around 25 percent of all enterprise hardware installed for this purpose, and Cisco still controls the service provider hardware market on the strength of its networking presence, particularly its routers.

That was the week that was in transforming network infrastructure, and it was a big week indeed, even though it was a shorter week. Our global online community kept up a huge flow of news for us to consider, even as we settle in for a long holiday weekend. So be sure to come back here for all the latest in news with the last week of 2015, and every weekend as well for our Week in Review coverage!