In 2019, an idea sparked within me, leading to a conversation with our communications and PR team at NetApp about engaging more deeply with our community — not just through announcements and launches but by delving into the technical nuances of our products. This idea evolved into creating a platform akin to Linus Tech Tips but for enterprise technology. Here’s the journey of bringing that vision to life and the ongoing saga of building our enterprise tech lab.
The Genesis of Our Enterprise Tech Lab:
The concept was simple: take our hardware, unbox it, explore it, and showcase its capabilities in a way that resonates with our community of users, practitioners, and partners. However, as with many great plans, the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 put a pause on our progress. It wasn’t until early 2021 that we could finally kickstart this project, beginning with an in-depth video on the A250, shot in the data centers of Raleigh. The success of this and subsequent videos, including the launch of FSX ONTAP and the A900, proved there was a real thirst for this kind of content.
The Adventure for Hardware:
Our journey hit an exciting phase when we realized that while we had ample storage, we lacked the compute power to truly leverage this technology. This led to an adventurous quest through public auction sites in search of servers, culminating in the acquisition of several DS4243 shelves. Yet, what started as a simple hardware upgrade turned into what I’ve affectionately termed “dependency hell,” a maze of interconnected needs from SAS modules and cables to compute servers capable of generating substantial load without overwhelming my home’s power infrastructure.
The Current State:
As of now, we are in the midst of upgrading our lab with IOM6 modules for enhanced performance, integrating a FAS2650 system, and planning the incorporation of a small ESXi farm. This upgrade isn’t just about hardware; it’s a comprehensive strategy involving power solutions, networking upgrades, and, fundamentally, the daily operations of running a sophisticated data center.
The Future Plans:
Looking ahead, our roadmap is filled with exciting projects. From setting up an ESXi farm with DL360p HP ProLiant servers to exploring the latest in networking with MicroTik switches, each step is a piece of a larger puzzle. This journey is not just about building a lab; it’s about creating a platform for sharing knowledge, troubleshooting, and celebrating the technological marvels that drive our industry forward.
The Invitation:
I invite you to join me as we embark on this detailed, step-by-step exploration of building out our enterprise tech lab. Through upcoming videos, we’ll tackle everything from IP address management to the intricacies of ESX clusters and beyond. This series is a tribute to those who’ve spent years in the trenches of data center management, and a tutorial for those embarking on this path.
Conclusion:
As we continue to navigate through “dependency hell,” the journey promises to be as informative as it is challenging. Our aim is to not only build a fully functional enterprise tech lab but to bring you along every step of the way, sharing insights, setbacks, and successes. Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to subscribe to ensure you don’t miss out on this adventure.
Until next time, take care.