* [Topics](/en/topics "Topics") * [Virtualization](/en/topics/virtualization "Virtualization") * What is hyperconverged infrastructure? What is hyperconverged infrastructure? ====================================== Published February 27, 2020•*3*-minute read Copy URL Jump to section --------------- OverviewBenefitsStorage and hyperconvergenceNetworkingWhy choose Red Hat? Overview -------- Hyperconvergence is an approach to [IT infrastructure](/en/topics/cloud-computing/what-is-it-infrastructure) that consolidates compute, storage and networking resources into a unified system. A hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) consists of compute resources ([virtual machines](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine)) managed with a [hypervisor](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-hypervisor), [software-defined storage](/en/topics/data-storage/software-defined-storage), and [software-defined networking](https://www.redhat.com/sysadmin/getting-started-sdn). Hyperconvergence of virtualized resources allows you to manage your resources from a single, unified interface. With software-defined compute and storage integrated together, you can reduce data center complexity and footprint and support more modern workloads with flexible architectures on industry-standard hardware. Benefits of a hyperconverged infrastructure ------------------------------------------- Replacing a traditional infrastructure with an integrated, software-defined infrastructure might seem like a daunting task. *So, why do it?* Virtualizing all aspects of your infrastructure can be helpful in a variety of cases and for many kinds of organizations, including telcos, oil and gas, and retail. Hyperconvergence provides advantages for remote offices, small datacenter deployments and private clouds, as well as for development testing and edge computing applications. The benefits of a hyperconverged infrastructure include: * **Lower cost** - Software-defined infrastructures are often less expensive than their hardware counterparts because they run on commercial-off-the-shelf servers rather than expensive single-purpose appliances. They also occupy a smaller footprint since multiple functions can be run on a single server. This means that less physical hardware is needed, which allows for resource consolidation that results in less of a need for physical space, power, and overall reductions in cost. * **Greater scalability and flexibility** - Hyperconvergence of your infrastructure allows you to expand your compute, storage, and networking resources as you see fit—and when you need them—instead of scrambling to add another piece of proprietary hardware. Having a software-defined infrastructure puts enormous flexibility in your hands. * **Simplified management** - Hyperconvergence leads to an overall easier-to-operate infrastructure because it does not require highly specialized IT experts, like storage specialists, to manage it. Red Hat resources ----------------- [Keep reading](/en/resources "Keep reading") Storage and hyperconvergence ---------------------------- The software-defined-everything approach of hyperconvergence necessitates virtualizing [storage](/en/topics/data-storage) infrastructure. [Software-defined storage](/en/topics/data-storage/software-defined-storage) (SDS) is a storage architecture that separates storage software from its hardware. Unlike traditional [network-attached storage](/en/topics/data-storage/network-attached-storage) (NAS) or storage area network (SAN) systems, SDS is designed to perform on any [x86 system](/en/topics/linux/ARM-vs-x86), removing the software’s dependence on proprietary hardware. This approach abstracts the things that control storage requests, not what’s actually stored. It’s a software layer between the physical storage and the data request—allowing you to manipulate how and where data is stored. [Keep reading about software-defined storage](/en/topics/data-storage/software-defined-storage "article | what is software-defined storage?") Networking in a hyperconverged infrastructure --------------------------------------------- Like storage, software-defined networking (SDN) virtualizes networking functions in a hyperconverged infrastructure. SDN separates network forwarding functions from network control functions with the goal of creating a network that is centrally manageable and programmable. SDN allows an IT operations team to control network traffic in complex networking topologies through a centralized panel instead of handling each network device manually. [Keep reading about software-defined networking](/sysadmin/getting-started-sdn) Why choose Red Hat? ------------------- Who better to provide integrated HCI software than an open source leader in [Linux®](/en/topics/linux), [virtualization](/en/topics/virtualization), and software-defined storage technologies? Multi-vendor interoperability is fundamental to the flexibility offered by a hyperconverged infrastructure but bringing it all together can be a challenge. Red Hat makes things easier with a unified solution built on [open source](/en/topics/open-source/what-is-open-source) technology. This video can't play due to privacy settings To change your settings, select the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer and opt in to "Advertising Cookies or try disabling adblockers." Is OpenShift Virtualization right for your VMs? Video duration: 1:57 ### Migrate your VMs and maintain your momentum Red Hat’s trusted products and partner ecosystem deliver comprehensive [virtualization solutions](/en/products/virtualization). Migrate your virtual machines now to [Red Hat® OpenShift® Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization), a modern app platform–based on [KVM](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) and [KubeVirt](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-kubevirt)–that integrates virtual and containerized workloads to provide flexibility without added complexity. Or, for a dedicated virtualization solution, explore [Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization-engine), a streamlined, cost-effective offering to deploy, manage, and scale VMs exclusively. The included [migration toolkit for virtualization](https://access.redhat.com/products/migration-toolkits-virtualization) provides the tools you need to start your migration in a few simple steps. ### Automate your migration Use automation to accelerate delivery with [Red Hat Ansible® Automation Platform](/en/technologies/management/ansible/virtual-infrastructure-management)–from migration at scale to Day 2 operations and remediation. With this flexible approach, you can automate tasks to improve speed and efficiency of IT operations. ### Manage and modernize at your own pace Monitor the security and performance of your VMs from a single console with [Red Hat Advanced Cluster Management](/en/technologies/management/advanced-cluster-management). With additional support options and partner integrations, you can rely on Red Hat to keep your virtual infrastructure running smoothly throughout the hybrid cloud–and help you modernize when you’re ready. [Explore our virtualization solution](/en/products/virtualization) Hub The official Red Hat blog ------------------------- Get the latest information about our ecosystem of customers, partners, and communities. [Keep reading](/en/blog "The official Red Hat blog") All Red Hat product trials -------------------------- Our no-cost product trials help you gain hands-on experience, prepare for a certification, or assess if a product is right for your organization. [Keep reading](/en/products/trials "All Red Hat product trials") Keep reading ------------ ### What is a virtual machine (VM)? A virtual machine (VM) is an isolated computing environment created from a pool of hardware resources. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine "article | what is a virtual machine (VM)?") ### What is virtualization? Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create virtual, simulated environments from a single, physical machine. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization "article | what is virtualization?") ### What is virtualization management? Virtualization management helps simplify resource administration, analyze data, and streamline operations. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization-management "article | what is virtualization management?") Virtualization resources ------------------------ ### Related content * Blog post [Optimize your virtualization platform: IBM Turbonomic now manages VMs on Red Hat OpenShift](/en/blog/optimize-your-virtualization-platform-ibm-turbonomic-now-manages-vms-red-hat-openshift) * Blog post [Elevate your Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops experience with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/blog/elevate-your-citrix-virtual-apps-and-desktops-experience-red-hat-openshift-virtualization) * Blog post [Evolve your Citrix Infrastructure: Unlocking agility and efficiency with Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/blog/unlocking-agility-and-efficiency-red-hat-openshift-virtualization) * Blog post [Improving performance of multiple I/O threads for OpenShift Virtualization](/en/blog/Improving-performance-of-multiple-I/O-threads-for-red-hat-openshift-virtualization) ### Related articles * [What is a virtual machine (VM)?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine) * [What's the difference between cloud and virtualization?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/cloud-vs-virtualization) * [What is virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization) * [What is virtualization management?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization-management) * [Red Hat OpenShift on VMware](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/vmware) * [How to migrate VMs from VMware to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/migrate-vmware-to-openshift-virtualization) * [KVM vs. VMware](/en/topics/virtualization/kvm-vs-vmware-comparison) * [What is virtual infrastructure management? And how can automation help?](/en/topics/automation/virtual-infrastructure-management) * [How to choose a virtualization platform](/en/topics/virtualization/how-to-choose-a-virtualization-platform) * [What is KVM?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) * [What is KubeVirt?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-kubevirt) * [What is live migration?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-live-migration) * [Why choose Red Hat for virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/why-choose-red-hat-for-virtualization) * [Why migrate virtual machines to Red Hat?](/en/topics/virtualization/why-migrate-your-virtual-machines-to-red-hat) * [Containers vs VMs](/en/topics/containers/containers-vs-vms) * [What is a hypervisor?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-hypervisor) * [Learn everything you need to know about Open RAN](/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-open-ran) * [VNF and CNF, what’s the difference?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/vnf-and-cnf-whats-the-difference) * [What is SD-WAN?](/en/topics/edge-computing/what-is-sd-wan) * [What is network virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-network-virtualization) * [What is a radio access network?](/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-radio-access-network) * [What is software-defined networking?](/en/topics/hyperconverged-infrastructure/what-is-software-defined-networking) * [What is NFV?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-nfv) * [What is container-native virtualization?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-container-native-virtualization) * [What is vRAN?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-vran) [More about this topic](/en/topics/virtualization "More about this topic")