In-Depth
EDS, Opsware, CA Push Data Center Mark Up Language As Standard
Described as HTML for the data center, the standards-based mechanism can help IT define data center relationships.
A new XML-based standard is being put forward as a mark up language for data center operations, with a pack of 25 technology companies backing the standard, dubbed Data Center Markup Language (DCML).
At the front of the queue of companies backing it sit EDS, Computer Associates, and Opsware (formerly Loudcloud) as governing members, with companies such as BEA Systems, Mercury Interactive, Tibco, and Micromuse making up many of the remaining founders.
The standard is described as HTML for the data center, and offers a standards-based mechanism to define data center relationships. It should reduce time and costs to implement strategic IT initiatives such as server consolidation, disaster recovery, application capacity management, and software policy management.
EDS said DCML provides the first standard model to describe what is contained within a data center, and specifically how that environment is constructed. This enables systematic reproduction, rebuilding, or re-provisioning of any portion of the data center environment. DCML will encompass a wide array of data center elements, including network components; storage components; UNIX, Linux, Windows, and other servers; and software infrastructure and applications.
EDS added that without a standards-based mechanism defining data center relationships, configuration, and change management processes will remain very labor intensive.
“DCML can be thought of as HTML for the data center,” said Tim Howes, chief technology officer of Opsware. “DCML enables disparate management systems to share information and function cooperatively, ultimately eliminating the chaos that reigns in today’s unruly data centers.”
Other companies supporting the standard include Marimba, Akamai Technologies, NetIQ, Tripwire, Inkra Networks, Egenera, ITM Software, AlterPoint, BladeLogic, Blue Titan, Centrata, Configuresoft, Consera, Ejasent, Euclid, Inflow, Racemi and Relicore, and several Fortune 1000 companies. However IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Sun are not on the roster.
Additional details on the language can be found at http://www.dcml.org.
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