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The New IT Math: Virtualization + SOA + Grid Computing = Servicelets
On the not too distance horizon, there is beginning to appear, the convergence of three powerful technologies which will change the very core of the Information Technology field as we know it today.
It is rather surprising that none of these three technologies are new. In fact, all have been around for twenty years or more. And yet, when combined, these three technologies have the very ability to transform the computing and electronic business process worlds we have grown to know and love.
So what are these three technologies, and how are they beginning to be comingled?
The three technologies in question are: - Virtualization
- Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Grid Computing
Virtualization is the technology wherein a server, its operating system and all other periphery aspects are "virtualized"--that is grouped together in a digitized logical unit. In this manner, many "virtual servers" may be run on a single server. One "virtual server" may be a test site for one web site, while another "virtual server" may be a test site for a database. Both of these "virtual servers" can be located on the same physical server. In so doing, reducing IT hardware costs by half.
SOA is the technology which breaks down business processes into services (most commonly web services). In this way, the same process (say calculating the monthly payments for a loan) performed by completely different parts of the organization (say loan origination and accounting), can be modelled by a single service (a monthly payment loan calculator web service) which can be consumed (i.e., utilized) by any entity in the business organization anywhere in the world. SOA reduces the amount of development duplication which is so common in the vast majority of IT departments.
Grid Computing is the process wherein the workload of what would normally be performed by a single application on a single computer is broken down into integral parts and distributed across many computers. NASA's SETI program currently utilizes thousands of household computers (individuals volunteer to let NASA use their computer while in screen-saver mode to crunch numbers for complex algorithms) in a world-wide grid of computers.
Although not widespread today, the benefits of virtual service-oriented grid or servicelets technology are very real and very obtainable. Through virtualization, data, long tied to the way in which it was stored, is detached from its storage. Storage becomes a commodity via virtualization. Through SOA, data, long tied to the applications which process that data, is detached from the applications. Applications become a commodity via SOA. Through grid computing, data, long tied to the computers processing said data, is detached from the computer. Computers become a commodity via grid computing.
What is seen to be most beneficial for business, is the ability to build small, self-contained hardware building blocks and software building blocks. Like an IT LEGO(TM) factory then, these small pieces are then built together in a way that maximizes IT hardware resources.
Via SOA, any small processing unit can be utilized by any piece of the business. Via grid computing, that SOA work can be shipped to any computer. Via virtualization, any computer can be utilized to perform any SOA unit of work.
IT architects can then break down the integral parts of a business into small servicelets and then can decide whether to host those integral parts in house, or whether to distribute the work to service providers. The possibilities and opportunities for higher effectiveness and reduced costs appear to be nearly endless. |
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