Data Storage Te edge market needs this situation to be resolved. Research
from IDC estimates that global spending on edge computing will have reached $232 billion in 2024, with projections soaring to nearly $350 billion by 2027. Tis investment surge underlines the growing recognition that edge deployments require a new approach that balances cost, reliability, and performance without overprovisioning resources. Te requirements are well understood. Organisations operating
edge infrastructure need high availability, low latency and seamless connectivity between remote sites and centralised data centres – and this is where HCI comes into the reckoning. HCI integrates computing, networking and storage into a single
soſtware-defined system, eliminating the need for separate servers, storage hardware and complex networking configurations. By bringing these functions together, HCI reduces costs, simplifies management and optimises resource allocation. Tese solutions run applications and store data securely at remote sites while providing connections to the cloud and data centre as needed. All of this is supplied with flexible, modular features, replacing the overengineered offerings that used to be the industry norm. What makes a big difference in performance is that modern
HCI solutions are purpose-built from scratch, designed and geared specifically for smaller sites. Additionally, they make it easy to connect solutions built for the edge back to the cloud or data centres, as the infrastructures do not need to be the same. One of the other key advantages of today’s advanced HCI solutions
is their ability to support edge environments with minimal hardware requirements. Unlike traditional data centre infrastructure, which may demand three or more servers for high availability, advanced HCI solutions now require only two, reducing costs and physical footprints. Tis is particularly useful for environments with limited space, power and cooling resources. Moreover, HCI solutions are designed to be deployed rapidly. Te most effective solutions can be set up remotely by IT generalists rather than requiring highly specialised engineers. With automated failover capabilities ensuring operational continuity, businesses can maintain uptime and protect data integrity even in the event of hardware failures. It’s perhaps no surprise to hear that there are opportunities and
challenges to address, with many enterprises now re-evaluating their IT strategies. Tis has created demand for alternative solutions that offer flexibility, cost savings, and ease of management. Each represents key selling points for resellers, MSPs, system integrators and, of course, their customers. Increased demand for vendor-agnostic solutions also opens up
opportunities for channel partners to position HCI as a high-value technology alternative, delivering scalable, cost-effective and resilient infrastructure without the constraints of legacy virtualisation platforms. In this environment, partners must adapt by expanding their HCI expertise, offering managed services that support seamless migrations, and helping enterprises meet their needs with highly tailored and future-proof solutions.
Making the transition – key considerations For those enterprises weighing the move to HCI, there are a range of priorities that their channel partners can emphasise that ensure a seamless technology transition, such as:
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• Compatibility with existing systems: HCI should integrate seamlessly with their cloud and data centre architectures. Tis process includes assessing compatibility with backup and security solutions, particularly as direct agentless backup is not yet available for all hypervisors outside VMware.
• Scalability and modularity: Te ability to scale resources as needed without overprovisioning is critical. HCI’s modular design allows businesses to expand capacity incrementally, preventing unnecessary infrastructure investments.
• Management and automation: Modern HCI solutions have centralised management tools that enable remote monitoring and automation of updates, resource allocation and security protocols. Tis is crucial for maintaining efficiency across distributed sites.
• Cost and licensing structure: Enterprises should evaluate alternative HCI vendors that offer flexible, transparent pricing without unnecessary feature bundling.
The role of AI and automation in HCI Te increasing integration of AI and automation in HCI enhances its appeal as a future-proof solution. AI-driven analytics enable predictive maintenance, ensuring system uptime and efficiency by identifying potential hardware failures before they occur. Automated resource allocation dynamically optimises storage and computing capacity based on workload demands, preventing performance bottlenecks. Security is another area where AI-powered HCI solutions provide significant value. By continuously monitoring network activity and identifying anomalies, AI-driven security features can mitigate potential cyber threats before they impact operations. Tis level of automation reduces the burden on IT teams, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance. With AI enhancing operational efficiency and security, enterprises can ensure their HCI deployments remain resilient and adaptive to future demands. So, as enterprises continue to invest in edge computing
infrastructure, HCI is poised to play an increasingly pivotal role in their technology choices. It’s important to underline that by offering a scalable, cost-effective, and resilient alternative to traditional cloud and data centre models, HCI allows businesses to harness the full potential of edge computing while avoiding the pitfalls of vendor lock-in and over-provisioning. Te shiſt away from legacy virtualisation platforms has already
begun, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year for enterprises making the transition. While this was already in motion, this change has been accelerated by rising costs and rigidity from more complex licensing arrangements. As organisations prioritise flexibility and operational efficiency, those that adopt HCI early will be better positioned to meet evolving market demands while maintaining control over their infrastructure costs. For businesses operating on the edge, the future increasingly lies in
using adaptable, high-performance computing solutions that deliver real-time processing where it matters most. In these organisations, HCI is not just an alternative – it is the foundation of the next generation of distributed enterprise IT.
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