From here to the new data center, step by step

Migrating to the new data center means making an abundance of decisions.

Applications

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Applications

• How should I deploy Web services and service-oriented architectures?
• How can I track or partake in standards creation for Web services?
• What's the best way to mobility-enable applications?

Servers

• When should I roll out 64-bit server platforms, and what affect will they have on my applications?
• Where should I use blade servers?
• Can I take advantage of grid computing?
• What management tools are available for supporting blade servers, grid and autonomic computing?

Infrastructure software and end-user computing

• How can I take advantage of better collaboration and application integration available in new versions of Windows and other platforms?
• Where should I use open source software? On servers? The desktop? For databases or other applications?
• When and where should I apply virtualization software?

Enterprise network, Web and WAN infrastructures

• What upgrades do I need to support greater desktop traffic?
• When and where should I deploy Gigabit Ethernet to the desktop?
• What role will 10G Ethernet play?
• Can I take advantage of new, lower-cost routing options?
• Which of the many new devices for supporting multiple virtual functions should I deploy (switching, caching and security, for example)?
• Where should I use SSL VPNs vs. IPSec VPNs?

Wireless

• How can I best support, manage and secure wireless LANs?
• How do I support and secure access from public Wi-Fi and cellular data services?

Storage

• How does storage-over-IP fit in?
• How will I handle increased storage requirements stemming from regulatory compliance?
• Do my disaster-recovery and back-up plans need rethinking?
• Can I virtualize my storage?
• How will I implement information life-cycle management?

Security

• Can I effectively manage all my security data?
• How do I blend my trusty traditional security methods with new hardware and software tools and managed security options?
• How can I best deal with internal security threats?
• Do I have the most-effective strategies for patch management, virus prevention and spam control?
• How will I handle identity management?

Network and systems management

• Should I integrate security management with other device management?
• How can I manage autonomic, grid and utility computing implementations?
• When and where will I use outsourced management options?

Read more about data center in Network World's Data Center section.