In this new paper, first discuss the evolution of hardware in computing, data storage, and networking. Then, the corresponding research techniques that impact the uppermost data management scheme architecture are discussed. Lastly, challenges and opportunities are presented for the new key technologies of data storage and analysis in new hardware paradigms. The new paradigm of information technology in the IT industry appears to be a relatively new technological artifact whose impact on IT management practices is relatively recent. This paper traces its evolution across three generations of hardware and network architectures, new cloud models, and new service design models.

Over the recent years, we have seen dramatic changes in the IT industry’s data storage and processing strategies. Data storage systems architecture has evolved from traditional hardware-based systems to an integrated whole-system approach to information technology. Data storage and execution technologies were traditionally based on mainframe processors, such as IBM’relational database servers, mainframe computers, workstations, and database servers. With the advent of new generation hardware including processor-based systems and virtualization, the focus has shifted to server-based platforms for accelerating business processes. The recent years have witnessed a radical restructuring within the IT industry’s data storage and processing technologies.

The transformation in information technology resulted in the evolution of new storage and query processing platforms. These platforms have contributed to the successful development of today’s enterprise applications. Modern hardware platforms support both the classic and the newer forms of query processing. Most of these new storage and query processing platforms include: Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, IBM Lotus Notes/Domino, IBM Smart Server, Sybase Fastpitch ERP, MySQL, and Microsoft Access/ JDBC.

For the data center infrastructure, it is important to realize that the new hardware requirements have to be adapted to the existing data management platform. This implies that one cannot rely solely on the old storage hierarchy technology. The new hardware has to support the latest storage hierarchy technologies, as well as advanced analytical techniques. It is also important to note that storage hierarchy technologies are designed to provide better manageability.

For companies who require fast application execution, they require high levels of concurrency control. Companies that use database platforms for web purposes need transaction processing technologies that can take advantage of multiple processor cores. Transaction processing applications are available on high-performance platforms, such as: Hyper-threaded programming language on IBM iWork Pages, IBM Lotus Notes/Domino, and Microsoft Access/Microsoft SQL Server. The best transaction processing technologies are available on these high performance platforms. However, companies that require slightly lower transaction processing power, without requiring the high levels of concurrency control, may utilize low-level client-server applications.

With the introduction of new hardware, companies have a number of decisions to make. Firstly, companies have to decide whether to stick with their current data management infrastructure, or build a new data management platform based on the new hardware. Secondly, companies have to decide what new hardware platform to adopt. These decisions have a number of consequences, with the primary one being the architectural nature of the hardware environment. When companies decide to adopt a new hardware environment, they must first determine their current hardware needs and then design and develop a hardware solution that can fulfill those requirements.