In the rapidly shifting world of IT infrastructure, storage procurement has long stood as a significant pillar, one that commands attention through its traditional capex-heavy models. However, as the landscape evolves, so too do the strategies organisations employ to manage their storage needs. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Oliver Green, an IT procurement specialist working within the UK public sector, to delve into the intricacies of these transformations and explore how organisations like his are navigating the shift toward more flexible and efficient storage consumption models.
Oliver’s experience with storage procurement is deeply rooted in the traditional cycles of the public sector—a space historically dominated by capital expenditure. “For years, our approach was all about capex,” Oliver began, the background hum of a bustling office faintly audible in the distance. “We’d commit to sizeable, multi-year investments in new storage arrays, which, while providing a fresh start, often left us grappling with the inevitable decline in performance over time.”
The traditional refresh cycle, as Oliver described, was akin to a necessary evil, offering the promise of new hardware but often at the cost of disruption and eventual obsolescence. “We’d see immediate improvements, sure,” Oliver conceded, “but the cycle was relentless. By the time we got everything running smoothly, it wasn’t long before we had to start planning the next upgrade.”
In the midst of this cycle, the emergence of cloud technologies began to offer a glimmer of hope, introducing the concept of operational expenditure (opex) and pay-as-you-go models. Oliver was quick to highlight the appeal of these cloud-driven models. “The flexibility is unmatched,” he said with a nod. “Not only does it allow us to scale as needed, but it also frees up resources, letting us focus on strategic projects rather than constant maintenance.”
In the UK public sector, where budget constraints and accountability are paramount, the shift towards a cloud operating model was not without its challenges. “There’s a deep-set culture of risk aversion,” Oliver explained. “Ownership of infrastructure has always equated to control and security. Transitioning to a model where much of that control is externalised required a change in mindset.”
One of the notable advancements in this space has been the adoption of hybrid cloud solutions. “We started integrating hybrid cloud scale-out storage,” Oliver recounted, “which gave us the best of both worlds. It’s an elegant solution where we can maintain some on-premise control while leveraging the scalability and efficiency of the cloud.”
Oliver explained how StoreOnce data protection appliances have been an integral part of this hybrid strategy. “These appliances have transformed our approach to data protection,” he noted. “They allow us to efficiently manage data backups and recovery, a key concern in the public sector where data integrity and security are critical.”
The conversation naturally veered toward the pros and cons of these newer models. “The benefits are clear,” Oliver asserted. “No more disruptive forklift upgrades every few years, and our capacity increases are now seamless, thanks to remote monitoring and AIOps. But,” he paused thoughtfully, “there’s always a trade-off. With less physical control, we rely heavily on vendor relationships. It’s vital to ensure they meet our security and compliance needs.”
As we discussed the future of storage procurement, Oliver was optimistic yet pragmatic. “We’re navigating uncharted waters, but the evolution is necessary,” he concluded with a determined nod. “Storage vendors now offer a spectrum of consumption models, from pure opex to capex with contracted upgrades. It’s about finding the right balance for your organisation’s needs.”
Oliver’s insights paint a compelling picture of a sector in transition, one where the monolithic structures of the past are gradually giving way to more agile and responsive approaches. The journey is complex, fraught with challenges, yet ripe with opportunity for those willing to embrace change. As organisations in the UK public sector and beyond continue to adapt, the lessons from pioneers like Oliver will undoubtedly serve as a guiding beacon in the ever-evolving landscape of storage procurement.
Lilianna Stolarz