Reference Architectures

A Reference Architecture (RA) is a technical document designed to showcase a software or hardware solution. RA very often serves as a template for standardized computer system deployments and is widely used by administrators and consultants to assess infrastructure requirements, perform benchmark testing, and obtain knowledge about product features. Typically, vendors release RA papers on a regular basis whenever a new version is released or a third party product is tested. For example, on their website, Cisco has an RA for a Citrix XenDesktop system built on UCS blade servers, Nexus switches, and VMware ESXi. Of course, this is only a basic foundation of a single configuration that has been tested by vendors, and actual systems deployed in the field will vary according to the business needs of the end customer. Most RAs contain a business scenario and a documented approach to accomplish this goal, including a proven combination of hardware and software and multiple...