The Effects of Cloud Computing on Vendors' Data Center Network Component Design

Carolyn J Sher DeCusatis, Pace University

Abstract

This study examines how the infrastructure requirements of cloud computing affect the design of data center network components. The global market for cloud computing is projected to grow by over 20% (CAGR) over the next five years; infrastructure for cloud computing is expected to be a $60B market by 2015[88]. The requirements of cloud computing are driving significant transformations in data center networking components and topologies. This approach is related to the theory of innovation in modular systems[61][9], to develop a data center network device decision process, which suggests criteria to help switch manufacturers decide whether to include a technology that supports cloud computing in their products. Eight cloud computing supporting switch innovations are characterized in three ways: by stated importance to the manufacturer, as incremental, modular, architectural, or radical innovations, and by their relationship to several cloud computing trends. A census survey is then conducted of the ten largest data center switch manufacturers by revenue, with revenues ranging from less than 100 million US dollars to more than 10 billion US dollars and number of employees ranging from more than 100 to less than 50,000. The census focuses on the eight technology innovations in data center networking described in the model. Key results feature the current state of the art and future plans of the manufacturers, as well as measuring how well decisions to include a technology in their products match stated priorities of the manufacturers.

Subject Area

Computer science

Recommended Citation

Sher DeCusatis, Carolyn J, "The Effects of Cloud Computing on Vendors' Data Center Network Component Design" (2011). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3463172.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3463172

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