Russian SKALA-R convergent computing platform. Overview of opportunities

Convergent infrastructure allows to liquidate dissociation of the IT environment of the customer which is usually separated into computing systems, storage systems, network equipment, business applications and services.

The compatibility of different components is provided in convergent infrastructures in advance, for blueprint stage. Convergent infrastructures represent evolutionary development of corporate infrastructure, reducing load of IT specialists in accomplishment of routine tasks and giving the chance to IT departments to pass to service model — providing information technologies to internal business customers as service. It gives the chance to transfer IT from cost center to a business asset, to increase capitalization of the company and to increase competitive advantages of business.

Convergent infrastructures are offered by the leading world IT companies which combine the efforts for creation of the advanced solutions. On blueprint stage of convergent infrastructure additional opportunities for optimization open: performance, cost reduction, scaling, focus on business processes.

Two different approaches are applied to creation of convergent infrastructure. The first approach provides creation of the solution which is completely configured by vendor (or alliance of vendors) in full accordance with requirements of the customer. The second approach consists in development of reference architecture in which all resources — computing, network, storage resources — are included as a sample to which system integrators can follow to build the solutions certified by vendor (or alliance of vendors) under specific requirements of the customer.

From the point of view of DEPO Computers the first approach – creation and delivery of the solution which is completely configured by vendor – provides to the customer more advantages. In this case the customer receives uniform point of entry concerning technical support and maintenance of a system. Delivery and maintenance are performed by one vendor, IT department costs for administration and documentary maintenance of infrastructure thereby are considerably reduced.

According to the report of IDC Worldwide Quarterly Integrated Infrastructure and Platforms Tracker in the first half of the year 2015 the world market of convergent infrastructures (Integrated Infrastructure) grew in comparison with the first half of the year 2014 by 15.25% — from $2.53 billion to $2.916 billion. Despite a difficult economic situation, convergent infrastructures remain one of points of growth of IT market.

According to the forecast of IDC, Worldwide Integrated Systems 2014–2018 Forecast presented in the report: State of the Market and Outlook, in 2016 the world market of the convergent systems will reach $12.1 billion, and after three years its volume will increase to $14.3 billion.

Overview and device of the SKALA-R platform

Russian SKALA-R convergent computing platform

The SKALA-R platform the Convergent complex represents replicated solution for deployment of an infrastructure cloud. The complex is delivered in the form of a product, completely ready to use, "from a box".

Configuring of a complex is performed at all levels, up to setup of optimum performance of business applications. Works on installation, commissioning and support of the SKALA-R platform are performed by the supplier.

In general, the SKALA-R platform allows to replace completely existing separate server framework with the single convergent solution issued in the form of a hardware and software system, completely ready to implementation.

SKALA-R is delivered in the form of specially developed server cabinet with the set set of the equipment and the unrolled software of management, virtualization and information security.

Full support of the Windows Server 2012R2 operating system unrolled in virtual environment is provided. Thus, functioning of widespread business applications and services – e-mail, DBMS, portals, Web servers is ensured.

Different options of a complete set SKALA-R provide a possibility of installation of the platform not only in the selected server rooms, but also in unprepared premises as can include in structure of the platform all necessary engineering infrastructure — the systems of a noise isolation, ventilation, conditioning, uninterrupted power supply, signaling, video monitoring, etc.

SKALA-R developers prepared the options of configurations optimum suitable for the solution of the most widespread IT tasks.

The platform for virtualization of jobs (VDI)

One of options — the ready platform for virtualization of jobs which provides the maximum density of users on the server and provides the built-in means of information security conforming to requirements of FSTEC of Russia. In this SKALA-R option the unique software package for virtualization of jobs of users developed in Russia by specialists of the companies is used IBS and Odin (enters into holding Parallels). The complete set and the SKALA-R settings in this option allow to organize the highly productive, protected jobs of users which function on the DEPO servers in controlled perimeter of the SKALA-R platform.

Depending on the quantity of jobs of users planned by the customer which need to be transferred to virtual environment ready configurations of the SKALA-R complex are developed and tested under real loading.

In addition in this option of application SKALA-R testing for compatibility with thin clients of a line of DEPO Sky is held. Full compatibility and necessary performance at implementation of SKALA-R for VDI with the terminal units DEPO Sky is provided. The customer receives the VDI solution ready to rapid implementation and completely considering the existing and future needs of the customer for virtualization of jobs.

The platform for business applications of a corporate class

In test laboratory IBS InterLab with the assistance of specialists of the Research and development center of DEPO Computers configurations of the SKALA-R platform are developed for a series of business applications (among them — SAP ERP 1C:ERP 1C: Enterprise Budget planning of development of the company "Leopard", ATsK RKS of the company BFT), there are configurations for the most popular DBMS and application servers.

For each set of software the big research program and deep testing based on which the structure of the SKALA-R complex providing full compatibility and necessary performance level of the specified business applications is defined is executed.

The platform for a high-performance server cluster of applications

In this version of the SKALA-R platform high-performance 4-processor computing nodes and specialized modules of switching which allow to integrate several modules of the SKALA-R platform in a uniform computing cluster are included.

The platform for consolidation of a server framework with a uniform point of management

SKALA-R is ideal for consolidation of a server framework including for the geographically distributed organizations transferring infrastructure to the uniform center. According to needs of the customer the configuration of the SKALA-R platform is configured on ensuring comfortable operation of applications and users after consolidation of resources. The fault tolerance, high availability and a uniform point of management of all integrated infrastructure is provided.

The line of SKALA-R includes three main series.

SKALA-R 300. The universal corporate platform for calculations and data storage

Basic purpose of platforms of series 300 — consolidation of a server framework of the customer in the uniform module.

As computing nodes in a series it is used from 4 dual-processor DEPO Storm 3SK2U servers. The construct of each server provides installation to 24 hard drives of the SATA, SAS or SSD format depending on the necessary volume and performance of a disk subsystem. Thus, the SKALA-R platform of series 300 can be configured for placement of a server framework of general purpose.

The universal switching system as a part of two high-speed DEPO Switch switches with a transmission rate from 10 to 100 Gbit/sec. and two switches for management and monitoring of infrastructure with a transmission rate of 1 Gbit/sec. also is a part of the platform.

Technologies of virtualization and management are constructed on the software of Odin company (enters into Parallels holding). SKALA-R 300, as well as other series of the SKALA-R platform, includes a monitoring system and end-to-end management which is developed by IBS and DEPO Computers companies.

SKALA-R 500. The platform for the high-loaded business applications

Thanks to the selected intelligent system of data storage of SKALA-R 500 allows to implement multi-layer system of storage with simultaneous file and block data access. A system provides fault tolerance, high availability and safety of information.

Are a part of a series from the 4th to 20 dual-processor DEPO Storm 5SK1U servers intended for high-speed information processing.

The selected storage system of DEPO Storage 5SK-ST allows to install up to 200 hard drives of the SATA, SAS or SSD format with differentiation of data processing rate:

• SATA Tier of 1 — 15 thousand IOPS;
• SAS Tier of 2 — 20 thousand IOPS;
• SSD Tier of 3 — 120 thousand IOPS.

In a series additional installation of the high-capacity disk shelf for the organization of a backup system of data in the form of virtual tape library is possible.

The intelligent system of data storage implemented in the SKALA-R 500 series has very high speed of stream record thanks to the built-in system of forecasting of loading and runtime allocation of resources.

For ensuring high access rate to data in series 500 the high-speed switching factory constructed on the DEPO Switch switches is implemented. The factory supports different data transmission mediums at the expense of a broad spectrum of interfaces (iSCSI/FC/Infiniband). The latency by transfer of packets is 30% lower than the existing analogs due to use of the unique chips developed according to technical requirements of architects of the SKALA-R platform.

SKALA-R 700. The platform for high-performance computing

Series 700 is constructed on 4-processor computing nodes that allows to achieve the maximum density of placement. Thanks to a simple scaling option, both within one module, and within consolidation of modules, creation of the distributed farm of virtualization of high power is possible.

High speed of calculations is provided thanks to hardware preacceleration of a virtual farm due to close integration of the server hardware and software of virtualization. Unique technologies of virtualization increase by 50% performance of applications in comparison with similar import solutions. Automatic movement of nodes in a farm guarantees to 100% operability of virtual servers.

The switching system of SKALA-R 700 provides high information transmission rate between computing nodes in the module and also between modules.

Installation of the selected storage system of DEPO Storage 5SK-ST, similar to the SKALA-R 500 series is in case of need provided.

SKALA-R: general features

In server and network equipment which was developed by DEPO Computers company for the SKALA-R platform only hardware component parts of a premium class are used. Component parts are made at the selected factories on the technology processes approved with DEPO Computers. All component parts are tested by the technique prepared by specialists DEPO. After receiving component parts from factory the following types of checks are carried out:

• incoming inspection at acceptance of component parts on a warehouse;
• testing of component parts before transfer on production;
• final testing as a part of the ready module SKALA-R.

Thus, the hardware platforms SKALA-R passes deep multilevel test which guarantees full compatibility and necessary performance of a ready hardware and software system which is transferred to the customer.

SKALA-R — a product of a bonus class. All components of a complex pass test which techniques are developed under application as a part of the convergent computing platform. Thereby the ideal balance of hardware compatibility of the used equipment is reached.

For all series of the SKALA-R platform the server cabinet which is specially developed in DEPO Computers and the unified engineering equipment is used. Thanks to it installation of modules SKALA-R in unprepared premises is possible.

The fault tolerance of virtual machines is provided at joint work of software of Odin Virtual Automation and Odin Cloud Storage. Odin Cloud Storage creates two or three (depending on settings) the systems of the copy of data of the virtual machine distributed on nodes. At failure of the computing Odin Virtual Automation node automatically performs restart of virtual machines from this node on other computing nodes using copies of the data which remained on the working nodes. This mechanism of fault tolerance in total with the duplicated power supplies is delivered in the SKALA-R normal configuration of series 300 and 500.

In all versions of the SKALA-R complex the fault tolerance is in addition provided with duplication of network equipment.

Depending on needs of the customer the additional software expanding functions of the solution, for example, the means of information security developed by NPO Eshelon, Positive Technologies and MFI Soft can be included in the package of series.

SKALA-R: individual solution

Development of a specific configuration of product SKALA-R begins with deep understanding of the task facing the customer. Different requirements to hardware and program parts of the platform are developed for different options of application SKALA-R (virtualization of jobs, consolidation of a server framework of general purpose, virtualization of business applications) and additional conditions (fault tolerance, disaster tolerance, ensuring the guaranteed level of availability of infrastructure, ensuring simple scaling, etc.). Then individual configuring of the ready-made solution SKALA-R based on the ready options and settings counted in advance is carried out.

At the exit the customer receives the solution which is completely conforming to the stated requirements and a scope of the SKALA-R complex. the Stage of introduction of a complex to operation takes the minimum time — 2–3 working days.

The technologies of Intel increasing performance of the SKALA-R platform

For the SKALA-R platform server processors of the Intel® Xeon® family of the last generation which thanks to new technologies provide the maximum capacity of the systems of server virtualization and work of business applications were selected:

• Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3;
• Intel Xeon E5-4600 v3;
• Intel Xeon E7-4800 v3;
• Intel Xeon E7-8800 v3.

The new Intel® TSX technology for the first time implemented in Intel® Xeon® E7 v3 processors accelerates work of multithreaded applications that allows to receive to 5.9 times the big performance of transaction transactions during the work DBMS and the analysis of Big Data. The Intel® AVX technology of version 2.0 allows to increase to 2 times the number of the executed transactions with a floating point per second (FLOPS) that considerably increases the computing power of the server platform.

In new processors the Intel® VMSC Shadowing technology which at the hardware level supports application of different environments of virtualization on one physical server with ensuring isolation of virtual machines gained further development.

New processors maintain memory of DDR3 and DDR4 standards that increases flexibility of configuring of the SKALA-R platform.

Plans and perspectives

The head of IBS Interlab laboratory Andrey Sungurov told about success and perspectives of the solution SKALA-R:

"Within half a year from the moment of the presentation of SKALA-R, more than 20 companies volunteered to test at themselves solutions. Domestic manufacturers of the software also became interested in emergence of a new Russian product and actively test the applications and solutions on the SKALA-R virtual machines. Results of tests show that our solution is not inferior to foreign analogs on performance and reliability. We receive similar results also according to the results of tests on platforms of customers who test at us the real information systems". We consider the main outcome of tests which are a part of the program of promotion of a new product requests from customers for acquisition of SKALA-R. I cannot disclose information on volumes of the forthcoming contracts and customers so far, but is ready to share our forecast for implementation for 2016: more than 10 deliveries different on structure and cost of complete sets of SKALA-R".

Outputs

Important advantage of the Russian SKALA-R platform is use of program and hardware components of domestic production that guarantees data protection and provides independence of use of infrastructure of economic sanctions. The Russian software makers are ready to disclosure of the code to the Russian regulatory authorities for the guaranteed certification of the solution according to requirements of FSTEC.

Economic advantage of SKALA-R over import analogs which cost increases because of use standard hardware and the software of global manufacturers with unclaimed functions in an end product is reached thanks to the following innovative engineering solutions:

• server components of the SKALA-R platform are developed by engineers of DEPO Computers from premium class component parts by the principle "nothing superfluous" and completely conform to the set technical requirements to a product;
• along with use of traditional technologies for data storage in SKALA-R the technology programmatically of the defined storage systems of information which allows to reduce storage cost is implemented;
• the software of virtualization and management was developed taking into account specific technical requirements for the purpose of creation of a product, optimal on the functions.

The wide experience allowed the leading Russian development engineers of the platform to find an optimal combination of equipment rooms and software tools for creation of the high-performance solution which cost is much lower than the similar systems of foreign production in creation of the systems of virtualization and management.

SKALA-R is an engineering product of the known Russian system integrator — IBS company and its Russian partners: DEPO Computers, Odin, etc.

"DEPO Computers is the Russian producer of the world-class IT equipment. Our product line includes a broad spectrum of the technology of own production — from thin clients to mini-DPC. In our company unique experience of engineering of complex IT systems using the most modern concepts and technologies is accumulated — the vice president of DEPO Computers Victor Urusov comments. — It allows us to develop the optimal and balanced solutions for any tasks. Consolidation of experience and deep examination of the Russian developer of difficult IT solutions, the Russian equipment manufacturer and domestic software developers allowed to create the first domestic convergent computing platform having several advantages in comparison with import analogs".

All technical support of the platform for the Russian clients works in Russia and at Russian. All interfaces and documentation are also implemented in Russian.

Advantages to the Chief information officer

The SKALA-R convergent computing platform allows:

• reduce costs and increase quality of providing IT services to business customers;
• consolidate and standardize information systems;
• simplify infrastructure management;
• accelerate implementation of the applications and services necessary for opening of the new directions of business.

Advantages to business

SKALA-R ensures smooth operation of business processes and reduces the losses of the company connected with idle times of IT infrastructure. The SKALA-R platform has practically no restrictions on scalability that gives the chance of fast building of the information resources necessary for development of the company.

Deployment and support of the SKALA-R platform is provided by the supplier who is uniform point of entry on all questions.

SKALA-R is created on the basis of the Russian solutions which have no sanctions risks, guarantee reliability of operation and maintenance and also are adapted to requirements of the Russian legislation. Safety of a product is ensured by a complex of means of cybersecurity and readiness for certification in FSTEC.

Material is prepared with assistance of DEPO Computers