Report

September 2003

• The data center of the future is built on hoards of cheap, redundant building blocks.
• But automation tools won't solve the control problem.

• Fabric Operating Systems are the brains behind Organic IT.
• Microsoft will be first to deliver Fabric OS services -- but the "open" vendors will let all hardware assets join in.
• Dedicated grids will open the door to fully fungible assets.
• Noncomponentized apps can play in a virtual "sandbox."

• Software vendors must crack the code on variable licensing.
• Gear vendors: Start integrating with Microsoft's System Definition Model now.

• IT will resist automation -- you can bet your job on it.
• Does IT matter? You bet, watch for a wave of grid apps.

• Figure 1.  Today's IT Architectures Are Designed For Performance Only
• Figure 2.  Fabric Operating Systems Control Organic IT Infrastructures
• Figure 3.  How A Fabric OS Processes Application Requests
• Figure 4.  The Microsoft And "Open" Approaches To Building A Fabric OS
• Figure 5.  "Open" Systems Versus Microsoft's "Integrated Innovation"
• Figure 6.  Fabric OSes Evolve Over Five Years

 

• Companies Interviewed For This Report
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