Overview

Server virtualisation with vmware has provided storage architects with an invaluable tool to consolidate both the server and storage infrastructures to create an integrated, virtualised environment.

VMware virtualisation technology makes it possible to package a complete x86 server - hardware, operating system, applications and configurations - into a portable virtual machine package exceeding 10 virtual machines per host processor. It will enable aggregation of the following resources:

Processor Memory Disk Networking capacity

System resources are dynamically allocated to each virtual machine based on need and prioritisation, providing mainframe class capacity utilisation and control of server resources. Virtual machines can run on any physical server in a resource pool and be shifted between those servers seamlessly with zero downtime.

A virtual machine is like a physical server, only instead of being a box of electronics it is a set of software files. Each virtual machine represents a complete system - with processors, memory, networking, storage and BIOS - so that operating systems and software applications run in virtual machines, just like in a physical server, without any modification.

Key Deliverables

Lower infrastructure costs

Implement server consolidation and containment while maximising server utilisation. Enable enterprise-wide standardisation Streamline IT operations and increase administrator productivity

Simplified Management

Securely centralise data centre management Ensure rapid and consistent server builds

Increased Agility

Instantly provision new servers Delivery utility computing to business units with guaranteed service levels Enable all applications to benefit from high-end hardware performance and reliability gains

Tighten Security

Consistent, secure and auditable data centre environment that can be assembled from heterogeneous hardware Managing access to virtual machines can also be a useful tool to control user access to applications that don't provide sufficient security on their own Virtual machines are completely isolated from each other in operations, so an ill-behaved or compromised application cannot impact any other virtual machines vmware Infrastructure virtual networking gives administrators the flexibility to either isolate virtual machines from the corporate network or to make them full peers with other physical machines on the network.

VMware Infrastructure Improves Availability

Zero downtime required for hardware maintenance and server backups enabling nearly 100% uptime for applications. Cost effective high availability for all virtual machines with vmware HA.

Server Consolidation with vmware