Gartner Data Center Conference

Analyst Q&A

Analyst Q&A with With Conference Chair Mike Chuba

Q. What should be top-of-mind for Data Center executives?

MIKE: Three things we'd focus on are virtualization, cloud computing and cost-optimization strategies across servers, storage, IT operations and data center facilities.

Q. Let�s start with virtualization.

MIKE: Well, it's having a huge effect on infrastructure architectures, processes, operations, skills and the business. Through 2012, it will remain the most important trend in I&O. Yet most organizations have just skimmed the surface.

Q. Why is that?

MIKE: Even though virtualization has enabled significant consolidation of server hardware, its potential hasn't been fully tapped. In fact, it can have a much greater impact across all infrastructure and operations in terms of disaster recovery, flexibility, agility and speed to support business initiatives.

For the 2010 conference we've developed a full track on this critical topic so that you can more easily advance to the next phase of virtualization exploitation�whether it's with servers, storage or client-side virtualization.

We'll take a look at how the server virtualization market is evolving, present best practices for deploying and managing a range of virtualization technologies, discuss the fine points of external storage virtualization, provide guidance on hosted virtual desktops, and examine the best ways to secure the virtualized data center. And that's just for starters.

Q. What about cloud computing?

MIKE: Cloud computing allows you to access services more flexibly and cost-effectively so that you can improve the creation and delivery of IT solutions within your data center. It's a major new trend with a rapid adoption rate. In the latest Gartner CIO survey , cloud computing ranks No. 2 as the top technology priority�right behind virtualization. (To give you some perspective, cloud ranked 16th in 2009.) Gartner predicts that within two years 80% of Fortune 1000 enterprise will use the cloud at some level.

Q. Is there a down side?

MIKE: Along with cloud comes a big challenge: knowing what's real and what's not, and separating the hype from the reality. You�re dealing with a relatively nascent market filled with all sorts of risk, as well as new players and providers. Do you know what's possible and practical in the short- and long-term, and what's pie-in-the-sky? Our dedicated track on cloud dispels the myths surrounding this hottest of trends, investigates vendor strategies and options, and highlights what you should watch out for.

We'll discuss what organizations are doing with cloud infrastructure services, and determine how well it's working. Security is certainly a major concern when it comes to cloud, and with that in mind, we'll discuss how IT organizations must change their mind-set to embrace this new model. And, of course, we'll look at public versus private cloud computing. Should you transition from a public model to private one? What will be the impact on quality of services and cost? You'll find the answer to those critical questions and much more.

Q. But beyond virtualization and cloud computing, how else will the conference prepare for data center professionals for 2011?

MIKE: In today's economy, organizations are proceeding cautiously and spending budget dollars wisely. But there's an added challenge for data center and I&O executives. As your enterprise's trusted service provider, you're expected to pursue necessary innovation that will keep pace with business requirements, while effectively supporting a legacy system. It's a tall order. That's why this year we've developed a virtual track on savvy cost-optimization strategies that focus not only on cost savings but also on how to fund and support 2011's new business initiatives.

That's just one piece of a terrifically broad yet deep program that spans three-and-a-half days, seven tracks and over 65 sessions. Forty Gartner analysts will be on-site to provide guidance and analysis in conference presentations, one-on-one sessions and end-user roundtables. Whether your focus is servers, storage, facilities or operations, you�ll see how to position yourself both tactically and strategically.

Plus, you'll tap into the collective wisdom of your peers. A critical benefit of our conference experience is the chance to learn from other data center and I&O executives. Throughout the event, we�ll use interactive polling to provide real-time feedback on what your peers are doing and are not doing.