Bare metal is a server platform without an operating system that allows software to access the hardware directly. The term appeared several years ago when cloud models (IaaS, Paas, Saas and others) they were actively developing.
Reasons for popularity
- Resource-intensive loads. Applications such as games, video encoding, DBMS, augmented reality and others require a huge amount of free computing power. Direct access to them reduces data processing time and improves productivity.
- Sensitivity to delays. The software segment, which refers to the services of telecommunications companies, requires minimal time for data transmission. Bare Metal provides direct access to network cards, which reduces data processing time.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI and machine learning have become widespread over the past 3 years. Further development requires more additional capacity from server platforms to accelerate the development of AI.
- Native cloud applications are developed using microservices and containers technology. Using the Bare Metal solution reduces the response time from the server hardware, for example, access to RAM.
- Analytics. Using the Bare Metal solution in the information analysis segment provides high computing speed due to direct access to RAM, NVMe disks and GPU accelerators.
Deployment options
The Bare Metal server solution can be implemented in 2 ways. In the first case, the client buys a physical platform, installs and adjusts it to their tasks. This is a traditional approach that has been used before. End users will need to be highly qualified to configure and administer this solution.
The second option offers to get Bare Metal as a service. The platform is physically located in the data center, and the client receives only the necessary capacity. The service was named BMaaS. The service provider is responsible for the purchase, installation and maintenance of equipment, and the client pays only for the resources used.
Class A vendors (DELL, HPE, IBM, Oracle, etc.) provide such a service together with other companies. For example, DELL cooperates with Equinix on the following model: the vendor provides a physical solution, and Equinix provides maintenance. Oracle followed an alternative scenario: installation and maintenance are entirely on the vendor’s side.
The Bare Metal platform has received a new round of development in the modern world. Software solutions can use the computing power of hardware components directly, which reduces response time and increases productivity.