Data center improvements have thus far focused on cost reduction and point solutions. Server consolidation, cloud computing, virtualization, and the implementation of flash storage capabilities have all helped reduce server sprawl, along with associated staffing and facilities costs. Converged systems — which combine compute, storage, and networking into a single system — are particularly effective in enabling organizations to reduce operational and staff expenses. These software-defined systems require only limited human intervention. Code imbedded in the software configures hardware and automates many previously manual processes, thereby dramatically reducing instances of human error. Concurrently, these
technologies have enabled businesses to make incremental improvements to customer engagement and service delivery processes and strategies.