Array Networks takes the next step
 
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Over the past year, Web acceleration vendors have followed the lead of server vendors, introducing appliances aimed at a specific task, with onboard management tools and software. Now it appears they are also taking the systems a step further, giving users combined functions in a single box.
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Multifunction Web acceleration equipment takes the appliance model to a new level. They not only come pre-configured and integrated to perform a combination of tasks, like caching, load balancing, and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) offload, but they also reduce the number of systems that need to be managed and maintained.
There are a number of vendors offering these systems. The only drawback is that they may be a single point of failure on the network.
By and large, all of the vendors I have spoken with are very honest about this issue and advise users that the systems are intended to be operated in a redundant fashion - meaning that they should install two systems, one as a mirror, and the other as a primary system. Some vendors are also offering systems that balance loads between them, while letting one fail over to the other. This way, users can get better performance, as well as a backup if one system fails.
The next step in the multi-function appliance model is being addressed by one vendor I spoke with last week, Array Networks (formerly ClickArray). Array Networks plans to offer an upgrade to its multifunction Web acceleration system, which offers Layer 4-7 Web switching, caching, load balancing, and SSL-offload, as well as traffic management. Array is going to offer its systems on a pay-per-use basis.
Array is following the lead of high-end and mid-range server vendors offering pay-per-CPU pricing on some systems. That means that users can get a system in-house with growth potential, but only pay for what they use. In today's tight economy, this model may be something worth looking into.
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