Open in app

Sign in

Write

Sign in

MoM is Dead, Long Live Observability: A New Era of Digital Operation

Majdi Haroun
RethinkingDigital
Published in
6 min readAug 26, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of digital transformation, holding onto outdated concepts can feel like dragging an anchor through a race. One such concept, the Manager of Managers (MoM), was once the backbone of on-premises infrastructure management. But let’s be honest — does it really hold up in today’s fast-paced, cloud-driven world?

I remember spearheading a major infrastructure overhaul at a global media company, where the MoM concept was practically sacred. Everyone relied on it to centralize data from various operational tools — just like countless enterprises have done for years. But as our hybrid cloud environments grew more complex, it became glaringly obvious: MoM’s rigid, top-down approach wasn’t cutting it. It was like trying to navigate a modern freeway in a horse-drawn carriage.

That experience opened my eyes to the power of Full-Stack Observability. The old MoM model? It couldn’t keep up with the real-time insights or proactive management we needed in a world where cloud-native environments reign supreme. So we made the leap. We began shifting to Full-Stack Observability, bringing clarity to every layer of the technology stack, from infrastructure to applications, with the help of DevOps automation and Infrastructure as Code (IaC). The difference was night and day — decisions became faster, operations more resilient, and we could finally tackle issues before they became crises.

So why are many still holding onto MoM? The truth is, it’s time to let go. The future doesn’t belong to those who cling to the past; it belongs to those who are ready to embrace the new. Full-Stack Observability isn’t just a trend — it’s the key to thriving in today’s digital landscape.

Quick History Lesson

The Manager of Managers (MoM) concept dates back to a time before the Internet, before Web technologies, even before virtualization was a thing. Back then, organizations were moving from mainframe systems to mini-computers and x86-based architectures, creating a patchwork of management tools. The need for integration was clear, so MoM was born — a way to roll up data from these fragmented systems into a single, unified view.

But here’s the thing: early MoM implementations were plagued with problems. There were no standardized APIs or communication protocols, making API integration and interoperability a nightmare. Systems were siloed, each focused on a narrow slice of the technology stack with no common standards to guide operations. Can you imagine the inefficiencies? It was nearly impossible to get a true, holistic view of the IT landscape.

The Rise of Hybrid Infrastructure Management

As companies began adopting hybrid cloud strategies, it became clear that we needed a new way to manage both cloud and on-premises infrastructure. Enter hybrid infrastructure management — a game-changer that brought with it a new set of standards and frameworks designed to ensure interoperability, security, and consistency across platforms.

  • OpenAPI Specification: This standard for defining RESTful APIs has become the backbone of consistent API interactions across diverse environments.
  • TOSCA (Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Applications): It’s all about managing applications in both cloud and on-premises environments, making sure everything works together seamlessly.
  • CAMP (Cloud Application Management for Platforms): This ensures applications can move across different platforms, including private clouds like VMware, without missing a beat.
  • ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO/IEC 27017: These security standards guide how we manage infrastructure, keeping it secure and compliant, no matter where it’s running.
  • ISO/IEC 17789:2014 (Cloud Computing Reference Architecture): Think of this as the blueprint for managing infrastructure in the cloud, making sure everything is designed to work together.
  • ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library): ITIL practices have been integrated into tools managing hybrid environments, helping keep service management smooth and efficient.
  • NIST Cloud Computing Standards: These standards make sure hybrid cloud resources are managed securely and consistently.
  • CIS Benchmarks: Providing the security guidelines we need to keep both cloud and on-premises systems locked down and compliant.
  • IEEE 2302–2021: Establishes a framework for cloud interoperability, a must-have for managing hybrid infrastructures.
  • OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect: These standards ensure secure access to resources across hybrid clouds, keeping everything safe and sound.
  • DMTF Standards: Critical for managing on-premises infrastructure, particularly in virtualized environments, ensuring consistent management across diverse platforms.
  • OVF (Open Virtualization Format): A standard that makes sure virtual appliances are deployed consistently, no matter the environment.
  • VMware vRealize Automation & vSphere Standards: These platforms adhere to industry standards, supporting consistent management across private and hybrid clouds.
  • Hybrid Cloud Management Standards: These are the guidelines set by organizations like NIST and DMTF to ensure that resources are managed consistently across hybrid cloud environments.

With these frameworks, hybrid infrastructure management has become the bedrock of modern IT, enabling organizations to achieve greater interoperability, security, and operational efficiency.

The Shift to Full-Stack Observability

Fast forward to the past few years, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Today, cloud computing standards like RESTful APIs and the widespread adoption of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) have completely transformed how we manage and monitor infrastructure. Cloud-native architecture has brought about a new era of Full-Stack Observability, where every layer of the technology stack — from infrastructure to applications — is monitored in real-time. Doesn’t that sound like the future we’ve all been waiting for?

This shift has only been accelerated by the rise of hybrid cloud management strategies. Managing resources across cloud and on-premises infrastructure has become a breeze with tools like Terraform and VMware. These tools, grounded in modern cloud computing standards, enable advanced DevOps automation, ensuring that infrastructure changes are deployed quickly and securely.

And let’s not forget cloud security. It’s more critical than ever. With the adoption of ISO/IEC 27001 and CIS Benchmarks, organizations are now better equipped to enforce security controls and maintain compliance across their hybrid cloud environments. It’s not just about being efficient — it’s about being secure.

The Future of IT Management

So here we are, standing at the crossroads of legacy and innovation. The demise of the traditional Manager of Managers (MoM) isn’t just inevitable — it’s necessary. The future belongs to those who embrace Full-Stack Observability and cloud-native solutions, providing unparalleled visibility and control over both cloud and on-premises infrastructure. By leveraging Infrastructure as Code (IaC), DevOps automation, and cutting-edge cloud computing standards, we can not only survive but thrive in this era of digital transformation.

But this is just the beginning. MoM’s fall from grace is merely the first chapter in our journey of Rethinking Digital. What other entrenched concepts are holding us back? Which sacred cows need to be reevaluated? And more importantly — what comes next?

I invite you to join the conversation.

What concepts do you believe are ripe for rethinking?

Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comments below.

Stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll dive deeper into how Full-Stack Observability is not just a trend, but a key enabler for digital transformation. Together, let’s challenge the status quo and explore the limitless possibilities of what’s to come. Because in this ever-evolving world, standing still is not an option.

References

--

--

Majdi Haroun
RethinkingDigital

Written by Majdi Haroun

48 Followers
Editor for

Ex-Physicist, Arab (Palestine, Egypt, Kuwait) Progressive Liberal, American, believes in synchronicity and loves watermelon.

Help

Status

About

Careers

Press

Blog

Privacy

Terms

Text to speech

Teams