Five Predictions: Virtualization and Grids

Continuing our recap of the Five Bold Predictions session from AFCOM's recent Data Center World conference:

4. By 2010, nearly 70% of all data centers will utilize some form of grid computing or other virtual processing. Twenty seven percent of AFCOM members surveyed in January 2006 say they are already using grid computing or other types of virtualization, with another 39 percent saying they expect to implement these strategies in the next five years. Grid computing allows better optimization of an IT infrastructure, improved redundancy, and offers the ability to more easily share resources among mobile users.

The expanded IP addressing available through IPv6 will be a boon to grid computing, according to Raymond Heath, Chief Technology Officer for Data Dynamics, who summarized the Data Center Institute's finding at Data Center World. "IPv6 will be a major driver, along with user mobility and virtual offices," he said.

While Asian countires currently lead the US and Europe in adapting infrastructure for IPv6, that will begin to change next year with the (now delayed) launch of Windows Vista, which offers native support for the new standard. "Microsoft Vista will be the Big Bang for IPv6," said Heath. "With IPv6 and Vista we're on the verge of a new era. Our recommendation is to begin addressing this now."