Server Sprawl

Server sprawl is a situation which results into poor hardware component utilization, compromised system and software security, and high energy consumption. This situation occurs when multiple servers within a data center are under-utilized or partially used, occupies more space, computing, power, cooling, and other resources that can be justified to their work capacity. A server sprawl usually occurs in a data center housing more servers than required. The other cause for server sprawl may arise when a large number of low-end servers are utilized and dedicated to a single application. 

There are various techniques used to minimize server sprawl, among these, computer virtualization is the known one. To mitigate server sprawl, many of the businesses have started opting for server consolidation measures, like blade web servers to slash down the expenses on management & maintenance, and maximizing return on investment.

Why is Server Sprawl a Problem?

Server sprawl is seen as a problem because they are resources enterprises pay for but never use. Although having a little extra space in your data center allows you some room for flexibility, too much of free space can get pretty expensive. Consequently, organizations need to shell out more money.

What is VM Sprawl?

VM sprawl is when you create a new virtual machine (VM) for a tasks that could have been handled by an existing VM.
Put simply, VM sprawls is when there are more VMs than required to carry out the tasks.

How to Avoid Server Sprawl?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to server sprawl. Even though virtualization may help avoid the possibility of a sprawl, it is not a permanent solution.

The most effective technique to avoid sprawls is to educate your employees. Focus on server consolidation. Do not think of server as separate entities, instead think of the entire IT infrastructure as one being. Thus, instead of running 10 servers at 40% capacities, run 5 servers at 80% each. This way you can save money you’d otherwise spend on cooling, power and maintenance.

How to handle server sprawl?

1) Server Consolidation

This is one of the best ways to prevent server sprawl. To begin with, identify the location of your workload. Also, you have to check how your servers are handling your data. All this will help you understand how these servers are interconnected.

More often than not, companies fail to examine their workload after they have added new hardware. By assessing your workload, you can ensure that the resources are being used to their fullest. You can harness the power of virtualization and spin up multiple virtual machines on a single server. This will help you optimize the performance of your servers.

2) System Sprawl Vulnerability

It is vital that you avoid system sprawl vulnerability. When buying servers, always look for premium-quality servers. Emphasis on quality will make you less vulnerable to system sprawl. Organizations prefer buying low-quality inexpensive servers as it helps them save money.

While such servers may cost less at the outset, they prove costlier in the long run as they consume more power and cooling. Quality hardware not only proves more cost-effectiveness in the long run but also helps you trim down the costs associated with server sprawl.  

3) IT Staff Training

Most companies count on their IT staff to come up with innovative solutions that can help them grow their business. As these companies work on futuristic technologies, their staff tends to overestimate their computing requirements. The IT staff thinks they are improving the flexibility of the computing infrastructure. But they may be increasing the likelihood of a server sprawl.

Additionally, the IT team needs to deliver quick solutions, so they often implement work-arounds without giving a thought to power and cooling costs. So, all in all, it is essential to educate your staff on how to minimize server sprawl. They should follow best practices that help servers run at full potential and prevent sprawl.