Why End User Computing Needs a New Infrastructure Approach

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Despite the many advantages of end user computing (EUC) solutions – centralized management, increased security and easy accessibility, to name a few – many organizations have been slow to adopt them. User expectations can be difficult to satisfy, and the complexity and cost of deploying and scaling virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and virtualized application solutions often derail projects before they get started.

By untethering the digital workspace and enabling collaboration, end user computing is an important enabler of digital transformation. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)  is only the first step on the path to a complete EUC environment. To make sure of user productivity, you must also accelerate the key applications and databases on which users rely, matching the efficiency of virtual desktops. However, this more comprehensive approach to EUC computing creates some significant business and technical challenges.

Addressing unpredictable user workloads in a complicated end user computing environment can require painful re-architecting. Introducing new workloads might rob resources from existing workloads, leaving users unhappy. That’s why a better approach to infrastructure for EUC is needed.

How NetApp HCI can help you deploy end user computing

NetApp® HCI is an enterprise-scale, hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) that simplifies and accelerates end user computing deployments by delivering predictable performance and simplified operations on a highly flexible and efficient cloud architecture that makes sure all virtual desktops and applications run flawlessly.

Unlike other HCI solutions, NetApp HCI allows multiple mission-critical workloads to share the same infrastructure as the virtual desktop without affecting the end-user experience. The user experience is protected with predictable performance, avoiding the painful slowdowns that are common with conventional infrastructure.

NetApp HCI streamlines installation from hours to minutes, while simple centralized management through VMware gives you control of managing NetApp HCI through tools you already use, allowing valuable resources to be focused on higher priorities that drive business growth. NetApp HCI also integrates into the data fabric to deliver a complete hybrid cloud data services solution.

Let’s look at three key benefits of Net App HCI for end user computing.

1.Predictable performance for end-user environments

A variety of things can affect the performance of end user computing. Boot storms, login storms, concurrent use patterns, I/O storms and poorly timed virus scans can all bring conventional systems to their knees, causing delays that affect virtual desktop users. Noisy neighbours – highly active virtual desktops or virtual machines (VMs) sharing the same storage – have a similar effect. The conventional solution is to dedicate infrastructure exclusively for virtual desktops and often to overprovision that infrastructure in hopes that negative effects can be minimized.

NetApp HCI is ideal for EUC environments because you can allocate capacity and performance independently for every virtual desktop and every application and easily adjust the allocations as workloads shift or your needs evolve. If an application needs more performance, the initial configuration can become a bottleneck. NetApp HCI eliminates the penalty for underestimating requirements. You simply modify quality of service policies to change the settings for minimum, maximum and burst, and the new settings take effect immediately.

2.Delivering operational simplicity

NetApp HCI simplifies your EUC environment with an agile, scale-out architecture that future-proofs your investments. Start small and grow as needed without disruption to your users by adding compute and storage independently. New nodes integrate seamlessly, so there’s never any need to rip and replace the infrastructure that’s already in place to scale your environment.

NetApp HCI is built using VMware vSphere to provide the virtualization tier. In combination with VMware Horizon, the leading platform for virtual desktops and applications, NetApp HCI allows IT to simplify and automate the management of thousands of desktops. Demonstrated compatibility with VMware Horizon, App Vols, SRM and vRealize Orchestrator ensure that NetApp HCI operates as a full partner in VMware environments.

3.NetApp Data Fabric

An end user computing environment isn’t much use if it doesn’t integrate easily with other important elements of your IT environment. You need to be able to manage and protect data and integrate with other important applications and services in your environment.

NetApp HCI features integration with the NetApp Data Fabric, enabling file services, data protection, disaster recovery and more, as well as close integration with the VMware ecosystem. With Data Fabric integration, your EUC environment has easy access to advanced data services.

Why to choose NetApp HCI for your data centre

With NetApp HCI, you can run virtual desktops and other user applications side by side with proven performance. Confidently deploy HCI across your entire data centre and unleash the true power of your infrastructure by simplifying management and independently scaling both compute and storage resources.

To learn more about how NetApp can help you modernize your data infrastructure, visit CDW.ca/NetApp