Server Virtualization & Server ConsolidationI'm not going to bore you with some complex explanation on the differences between server virtualization and server consolidation. But I can give you a simple definition. Server Consolidation is simply collapsing a number of physical servers into a smaller amount of space. In Todays world that translates into blade servers, which Dell, HP, and IBM all offer. Now let's get Geeky! Server Virtualization is simply the process of hiding the physical charateristics of computing resources from the way in which other systems, applications, or end users interact with those resources. This includes making a single physical resource ( such as a server, an operating system, an application, or storage device) appear to function as multiple logical resources; or it can include making multiple physical resources ( such as storage devices or servers) appear as a single logical resource. Virtualization has been around since the 1960s or earlier if you look at mainframes with Timesharing resources. it has since then been applied to many different aspects and scopes of computing -- from entire computer systems to individual capabilities or components. The common theme of all virtualization technologies is the hiding of technical detail, through encapsulation.  Virtualization creates an external interface that hides the underlying implementation by multiplexing access, by combining resources at different physical locations, or by simplifying a control system. Recent development of new virtualization platforms and technologies has refocused attention on this mature concept. Though their are several vendors in the virtual computing arena I will stick with VMWARE since it is most widely used. My Professional Preference is VMWARE running on IBM Bladeservers. How does Virtualization Work? In essence, virtualization lets you transform hardware into software. Use software such as VMware ESX Server to transform or ?virtualize? the hardware resources of an x86-based computer?including the CPU, RAM, hard disk and network controller?to create a fully functional virtual machine that can run its own operating system and applications just like a ?real? computer.
Multiple virtual machines share hardware resources without interfering with each other so that you can safely run several operating systems and applications at the same time on a single computer. The Asellus Expert approach to server virtualization and server consolidation is pretty straight forward Assess, Qualify, Consolidate, Replicate, and We are Virtualized! Analyze - Asellus will do an Infrastructure Assessment of your environment.  Design - Asellus will create a solid tatical approach in roadmapping your environment. Consolidate - Asellus will create a Detailed Plan on how to Collapse your Physical Environment into a virtual one. Replicate - Asellus will start to Replicate your Physical Environment via a Universal Imaging process testing and validating the seamless operation of all your applications within your New Virtual Environment Support - Once all applications are virtualized and fully operational Asellus will go thru Cohesive knowledge transfer with your current staff on how to maintain your New Virtual Environment.
Contact Us! I'm sure Asellus can be an immense resource in getting your Server Virtualization and Server Consolidation Project off the ground!
|