Infrastructure planning & hardware
Whether you need a few servers or a GPU cluster, we specify what the workloads need, plan the capacity and compare vendors' proposals. You buy, and the vendor installs.
When we help
- Buying serversYou are about to buy hardware and want to know what you need before the proposals arrive.
- Proposals that are hard to compareVendors propose different things, and it is unclear what the differences mean for you.
- GPU servers for AIThe models and how they are used determine GPU memory, the number of cards and the network between servers.
- Data center networkingThe servers must fit into an existing or new data center network.
Specified from the workload
We start from what the workload runs, how it grows and what happens when something breaks, and specify everything it depends on, from compute and storage to the network between them.
- Servers and GPU serversCPU, memory and disks matched to what will run and, for AI workloads, GPU memory, cards per server and the links between them.
- StorageCapacity, performance and redundancy, local in the servers or in a separate storage system.
- Ports and topologyPorts, speeds and topology, so servers, storage and GPUs get the bandwidth they need.
Capacity for now and for growth
The capacity plan covers what you need now and what you need as the environment grows, so the next purchase doesn't become a new investigation.
- Today's loadActual use of CPU, memory, storage and network, not just what was once ordered.
- GrowthPlanned services, more users and more data, in stages.
- Margin for failureRoom for a server or disk to fail while every workload still fits.
- Rack, power and coolingRequirements for space, power and cooling, when they apply.
- GrowthWhat you need as the environment grows, in stages.
- Margin for failureRoom for a server or disk to fail.
- Today's loadMeasured use per resource.
Vendors' proposals, compared
When the proposals arrive, we hold them against the specification and against each other, so you compare like with like.
| What | Why |
| Against the specification | Whether the proposal handles the workload and the growth, and where it deviates. |
| Components and configuration | The same capacity can be built in different ways, with different consequences for operations and spare parts. |
| Compatibility | That hardware, drivers and the software platform work together. |
| Support and warranty | What is included, how fast it is and how hardware failures are fixed. |
| Cost over time | Purchase, support, power and expansion, not just the price at purchase. |
Who does what
We produce the architecture and configure the software platform. You buy, and the vendor installs.
- We specify and compareSpecification, topology and capacity plan Comparison of vendor proposals Result A basis for decision and purchase
- You buyDecision, contract and purchase Result Hardware ordered from the vendor you choose
- The vendor installsRack, cabling, power and physical installation Fixing hardware failures Result Hardware in place
- We configure and validateNetwork configuration and automation Installation and validation of the software platform Result A platform validated against agreed requirements
The groundwork is yours
The specification and the comparison work whoever buys and installs.
- SpecificationServers, accelerators, storage and networking, with the reasons behind the choices.
- Capacity planWhat you need now and as you grow, and where the margin is.
- Proposal comparisonThe proposals against the specification and against each other.
- Topology and port planHow servers, storage and networking connect.
- Validation resultsThe outcome when the platform was tested against the agreed requirements.