Published in Sirius Connect, 3Q2007; Copyright 2007 Sirius Computer Solutions  

As IT organizations have embraced smaller, less-expensive servers, particularly those based on the x86 architecture, there has been a troubling tendency to add servers on an as-needed basis to accommodate new applications, more users, or greater traffic from customers and business partners. As a result, data centers often grow organically rather than strategically, and suffer from decreased performance and lower efficiency. This also means more strain on data center resources, including floor space, electricity, cooling and staffing.

As a result of these inefficiencies, it's not uncommon for server resource utilization to drop to 10 percent or even lower.

A holistic approach to consolidating data center resources can lead to dramatically higher efficiency and performance of servers already in place. Or it can lead to significantly fewer physical servers, slashing by more than half the total cost of ownership (TCO) for a given level of computing power.

As part of our new emphasis on providing clients with the technical expertise needed to help maximize the value of their IT investments, Sirius has  introduced targeted IT Optimization Services. Whether a client has 50 servers or a thousand, Sirius IT Optimization Services takes a holistic approach to the design and optimization of the applications infrastructure.

The process starts with a thorough IT Optimization Assessment, which includes:
• A consolidation impact assessment of server, storage and data recovery resources
• An applications infrastructure IT optimization assessment
• An application optimization and integration assessment of middleware resources
• Security compliance assessments
• Business continuity solutions

The Sirius IT Optimization process uses proven methodologies to maximize the benefits of the optimization project. Recommendations can be divided into smaller projects, and the simplified processes are ready for deployment. The Sirius methodology uses standardized templates, checklists and procedures, and a comprehensive approach that makes the best use of available time and resources. It can work within the constructs of any process tools, such as COBIT, ITIL and Six Sigma.

The Sirius IT Optimization process includes:
• Strategic planning/business requirements analysis
• Information assessment, analysis, solution design
• Solution implementation, integration, migration and testing
• Management, monitoring and control

The Sirius IT Optimization process ensures an IT infrastructure that is optimally consolidated to the client’s specific business requirements. Once completed, the optimized infrastructure reduces the TCO, reduces complexity, helps the client’s IT department meet its service level agreements (SLAs), and improves applications availability.

Sirius thoroughly documents its processes and procedures to help the client manage the newly optimized environment. The team uses effective and efficient internal controls, and applies metrics to ensure that the optimization results meet the original business goals of the project.