The model depicted in Figure 1 is the inevitable open standards-based data center model, which is valid for current and emerging data centers. At the highest level, it functions as a closed-loop management system. The flow of Information and associated actions are shown by arrows in the diagram.
In this model, a standardized mapping layer provides what will become the foundation of the future data cen- ter. This layer maps the relationships of the following software and hardware resources in the data center to a target end service:
• Standard servers, fabrics, and storage subsystems
• Applications and operating systems
• Systems management software, depicted in Figure
1 as the Managed Node Architecture1 (or Element
Management)
• Application management software
These resources may be physical or logical. Additional software layers provide the monitoring, operational pol- icies, controls, and services required for the highly auto- mated environment envisioned in the future data center. The following section describes how these au- tomated processes can address a common issue in the data center.