Monolithic servers have been a mainstay of computing infrastructure for decades. These servers, which are designed to handle a wide range of applications and workloads, are typically characterised by their high processing power, memory capacity, and storage capacity. Despite their potential, however, many monolithic servers remain under-utilised. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why this is the case, and what can be done to address this issue.
One of the primary reasons why monolithic servers are underutilised is that they are often deployed in environments where they are only used for a single application or workload. For example, a server might be deployed to handle a specific enterprise application, and be dedicated solely to that task. This means that the server is only being utilised when that application is being used, and is otherwise sitting idle. In some cases, this might be a necessary trade-off in order to ensure the performance and reliability of that application. However, in many cases, it represents a significant waste of computing resources.
Another factor that contributes to the underutilization of monolithic servers is that they are often over-provisioned. This means that they are designed to handle workloads that are far larger than what is actually required. This is done in order to ensure that the server can handle spikes in demand, or to provide a safety margin in case of unexpected events. While this approach can be effective in ensuring system stability, it also means that a significant portion of the server’s capacity is left unused most of the time.
A third reason why monolithic servers are underutilised is that they can be difficult to scale. Because these servers are designed as a single unit, adding capacity often requires adding more servers. This can be a complex and expensive process, particularly if the servers are not designed to be easily scalable. As a result, many organisations are hesitant to invest in additional monolithic servers, even when their current servers are underutilised.
So what can be done to address these issues and ensure that monolithic servers are being utilised to their full potential? One approach is to virtualize these servers, using technologies like virtual machines or containers. By doing this, multiple applications or workloads can be run on a single server, allowing for greater utilisation. In addition, virtualization can help to address the issue of over-provisioning, as it allows for more efficient use of computing resources.
Another approach is to use serverless computing, which allows for the execution of code without the need for dedicated servers. In a serverless architecture, applications are broken down into small, discrete functions that can be executed on demand, in response to specific events. This approach can be highly efficient, as it allows for very granular allocation of computing resources, and can also be highly scalable.
In conclusion, while monolithic servers have long been a staple of computing infrastructure, many of them remain under utilised. By virtualising these servers or adopting a serverless architecture, organisations can increase their utilisation and make better use of their computing resources. By doing so, they can not only improve their efficiency and reduce their costs, but also enable new opportunities for innovation and growth.
