Industry not yet ready for software-defined - Gartner

Analyst claims companies should approach the tech with caution

Most businesses are not yet ready to jump on the software-defined bandwagon, according to Gartner, which claims the technology will not become mainstream for five years.

A software-defined datacentre (SDDC) is one in which the infrastructure is virtualised and delivered as a service. Gartner said although the trend is making headlines today, it is not appropriate for most businesses.

"Due to its current immaturity, the SDDC is most appropriate for visionary organisations with advanced expertise in infrastructure and operations (I&O) engineering and architecture," said Dave Russell, vice president at Gartner.

"I&O leaders need to understand the business case, best-use cases and risks of an SDDC."

Gartner cautioned that "most organisations" are not ready to begin adopting the SDDC and ought to "proceed with caution".

But while the technology is not mature enough for the big time at the moment, it will be by 2020. Within five years, three quarters of the Global 2000 enterprises will consider SDDC tech.

But Russell added that they should not rush in.

"I&O leaders cannot just buy a ready-made SDDC from a vendor," he said. "First, they need to understand why they need it for the business. Second, they need to deploy, orchestrate and integrate numerous parts, probably from different vendors."