Why setting off in the right direction is critical to successful transformation
SPONSORED BY HPE AND VMWARE: Many businesses are looking to digitally transform but not going about it in the right way, according to an IDC report backed by HPE and VMware
While enterprise organisations understand the potential of digital transformation, many are not going about it in the right way, according to a study by IDC (Digital Transformation Through Platform Integration, October 2016), commissioned by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and VMware. The research firm found that only around half of companies that have already started on transformation were actually modifying their infrastructure. This is a real concern because, without updating the infrastructure and comprehensively modernising the data centre, there will not suitable platform upon which fast, dynamic end-to-end integrated systems can be constructed.
Indeed, while 60 per cent of organisations have already embarked on transformation projects, IDC estimates that only around half will achieve their goals. The main reason for this is that the infrastructure can't support the planned transformation.
Customers don't necessarily have to rip and replace all their systems and networks. But, as Iain Stephen, EMEA VP and general manager, Data Center and Hybrid Cloud at HPE, said in the CRN Special Report on the IDC findings, ‘to enable truly effective DX, the whole stack, end-to-end, needs to be completely integrated and manageable. It all has to work together as one."
If the infrastructure is not right, transformation projects are doomed to fail. This is whole rationale behind the two enterprise powerhouses joining forces to create a set of ready-made, pre-integrated platforms for digital transformation. The simple goal here is to make it easier to get to the point where true transformation can begin. This will minimise the potential for projects to falter at a later stage.
Critically, HPE and VMware are also offering an integrated approach to management and orchestration, which will enable partners to bring hardware-based, software-defined, virtualised and cloud resources together into an optimised infrastructure. This will also help accelerate delivery and reduce deployment times.
Both end-user customers and partners have welcomed the approach HPE and VMware are taking, said Stephen. "Customers want to embrace digital transformation, and they want the whole solution. When it is presented as one, fully-integrated offering, from trusted vendors and a single point of support and expertise, it's pretty compelling."
That view is backed up by Ole Anders Hegle, business development director at ATEA, one of the largest and most experienced providers of IT infrastructure systems in Europe. "A lot of our customers are talking to us about digital transformation, but for them it is a journey and a process. In most cases, they want to take it step by step and build a solid platform. We have to address both their present and their future needs and challenges."
Having a solid, reliable platform from trusted vendors is essential to meeting both the immediate needs of the customer and paving the way for successful transformation. It is exactly the start that organisations need. The approach HPE and VMware are taking is sensible and measured. It will go a long way to protecting customer investments and ensuring that digital transformation projects can succeed.
Resellers interested in finding put more about the HPE and VMware solutions and approach to digital transformation can find out more and register to receive further information at www.hpeandvmware.com/crn
A free copy of the IDC report, Digital Transformation Through Platform Integration, October 2016, is available for download here