Superconvergence, an emerging data center methodology, promises to take the benefits of hyperconverged infrastructure even further. It would combine five capabilities in a single platform: networking, storage, computing, virtualization and management.

IEEE Fellow Tom Coughlin has high hopes for this approach.

“I could have one piece of equipment I am installing, and it does everything,” he says. “It offers the possibility of greater cost efficiency, because you are buying everything at once instead of buying pieces.”

Experts say superconvergence could be a boon to K–12 education, promising to meet the unique computing needs of K–12 districts at lower cost, with greater ease of deployment, ready scalability and a reduced maintenance workload.