Server system

A method of operating a server system, the method comprising:

• arranging a plurality of processing devices to serve one or more services to one or more client systems via an external network;
• arranging a storage fabric to operate according to a storage fabric communication protocol that connects the plurality of processing devices to a plurality of storage devices that store data relating to the one or more services;
• building a modular overall switch from a plurality of individual switches, the plurality of individual switches having individual respective configuration settings, which between them determine which of the plurality of processing devices are allocated to use which of the plurality of storage devices in providing the one or more services to the one or more client systems;
• detecting a demand change of the one or more services;
• and
• dynamically reconfiguring topology of the modular overall switch based on the detected demand change.

A server system comprising a plurality of components including at least:

• a plurality of processing devices arranged to serve one or more services to one or more client systems via an external network;
• and
• a storage fabric, arranged to operate according to a storage fabric communication protocol, that connects the plurality of processing devices to a plurality of storage devices that store data relating to said services, the storage fabric comprising:
• a plurality of individual switches having individual respective configuration settings, which between them determine which of the plurality of processing devices are allocated to use which of the plurality of storage devices in providing said services to said client systems;
• a plurality of connectors between the plurality of individual switches having a mechanical design enabling a determination of a relative physical orientation of the plurality of individual switches;
• and
• a modular overall switch built from the plurality of individual switches and the plurality of connectors;
• and
• a control function that detects a demand change of the one or more services and dynamically reconfigures a topology of the modular overall switch based on the detected demand change.