Five tips start with virtualizing the server

Virtualization - a move from the real world, physical hardware to virtual hardware - is becoming one of the next major development trends in the IT industry. There are now more virtualized options in each area for selected IT professionals, such as the open source applications of Xen and Virtual Iron, or Microsoft's Virtual Server with rapid growth and respected VMware products.

But not everyone is familiar with virtualization technology. If you are new, you probably won't know how to start with these products. The following content will introduce and help you some easier approach to virtualization programs and procedures. (Can refer to some documents on VMware - explanation of virtualization with basic terms).

1. Determine if you have enough servers to merge

The first reason when it comes to hardware consolidation is virtualization. Old hardware, data center overflow, power loss, etc. are some typical problems that exist in physical devices. These virtual devices do not have these phenomena. It is for this reason that virtualization technology is promoted and enhanced, growing rapidly. There is no reason for you to use separate physical machines when you can convert them into real servers at a ratio of 3, 4, 5, even in some cases 10 individual machines = 1 server.

The first step in getting familiar with virtualization is to determine if you have the right kind of support infrastructure. If you have multiple machines that do the same job, they should be virtualized. The number of suitable conversion servers is also important, usually 10 or less. With more than 10 servers, the benefits will be greater.

2. Eliminate the headache of administrative problems

Any major conversion, such as server consolidation or large-scale deployments, has a significant impact on some internal programs. You need to use or request support from a good technician from the manufacturer, receiving a trade management program. You also need to invest money when moving to virtualization services, because the cost is quite expensive, and dealing with human resources. When physical servers are reduced, of course the budget will also change and the head of the organization must rearrange the human resources accordingly. You also need to anticipate the workload and impact generated when there is less physical server but more virtual server, need to calculate the amount of work and time required for each department.

Also need to check the necessary copyright. Depending on the software you are using on your virtual machines and their configuration, you may need to adjust some of the licenses and buy some more for new CPUs or base users.

3. Choice of hardware and software

There are several virtualization products on the market for you to choose from. Their prices are very different, in which Microsoft Virtual Server and VMware's VMware Server are free.

Larger applications such as ESX Server or Xen product line have higher price, which means more components and better performance. The specific price depends on the configuration you choose: simple server consolidation, advanced host or network configuration functions. Some firms also offer 'starting tools', which allow you to test and explore technology at relatively low prices.

4. Start to virtualize

A beautiful day, after months of preparation and planning, you began to really move from physical technology to virtualization. Consider some of the synthesis tools below, which will help you. Microsoft, in the near future will release the product that allows to convert the entire server installed, running Windows version to support virtual hard drive format to Virtual Server product support. VMware has put a tool with similar functionality into operation. These integrated utilities can save you hours of time, if not daily, to make real conversions.

Some other components to consider :

• Use advanced cluster functions in groups . Using clusters with advanced execution capabilities provides your virtual machine with higher availability and at the same time enhances performance.

• Pay attention to management issues . How will your staff manage the collection of virtual machines? What support does your virtual server software support scripting languages ​​and APIs? Can you access certain controls via the command line to manage simple remote access?

• Don't forget the storage issue . You will need a small disk system with very fast speed to get the fastest performance for virtualization servers. Usually the most popular currently is iSCSI standard disks. They are reasonably priced, with excellent configuration capabilities, and fast.

5. Monitoring, evaluation, interruption and improvement

With any ongoing program, it's important to keep tabs on the virtual project when starting to switch users and services to the new platform. You need to set up some implementation guidelines and manuals, set up some starting points, evaluate the meaning they bring to break and improve in the future. Consider disconnected hardware configurations, network settings or increase bandwidth width if necessary. Your job is not just to boot the virtualized operating system for the last time, but also to consider many other factors.