How to Scale IT Infrastructure | Media7

IT infrastructure scaling is when the size and power of an IT system are scaled to accommodate changes in storage and workflow demands. Infrastructure scaling can be horizontal or vertical. Vertical scaling, or scaling up, adds more processing power and memory to a system, giving it an immediate boost. Horizontal scaling, or scaling out, adds more servers to the cloud, easing the bottleneck in the long run, but also adding more complexity to the system.

Vertical Scaling

Vertical scaling adds more processing and storage units to a server. These units can be CPUs, RAM, DISKs, or SSDs. Vertical scaling is often easier to implement since it only takes adding a unit to a server. This is good for a sudden increase in workloads that needs to be immediately addressed, especially if it’s expected to be a temporary spike. However, it’s a solution that’s limited by the size of the server; if the server does not have any more room for additional units, then it cannot be scaled this way any further. 

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Horizontal Scaling

Horizontal scaling adds more server units to a database, spreading out the workload across them. This is more complex than simply adding more units to a server, since the servers must be confirmed and connected to the network. 

As well, more servers mean undertaking more maintenance tasks, and devoting more resources, such as power and security, to their operation. 

 

Scaling Clouds

Scalability is a major part of the cloud’s appeal. With public clouds, the cloud service provider is in charge of the technical aspects of scaling. However, the organization using the cloud services must still make decisions about the size and scope of the scaling. They must also scale up their own network resources to match the level of scaled resources, and decide where their applications and data go on the newly-scaled cloud. 

For a private cloud, the organization is in charge of the hardware and software changes necessary for scaling. 

When scaling a private cloud, the organization must determine whether they want to horizontally or vertically scale their infrastructure. They must ensure that they have the server or closet space and backups ready in case of issues. As well, they need to have tech support available to ensure that the system is running smoothly. 

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Key Takeaways

• IT infrastructure scaling can be done horizontally or vertically.
• Vertical scaling involves adding more power and resources to a cloud; horizontal scaling adds more servers.
• When it comes to scaling, vertical scaling is a better short-term solution, while horizontal scaling is a better long-term solution. Read More

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