Virtualization Management

• virtual machine (VM)

  Definition -A virtual machine (VM) is an environment, usually a program or operating system, which does not physically exist but is created within another environment. In this context, a VM is called a guest while the environment it runs within is called a host. Virtual machines are often created to execute an instruction set different than that of the host environment. (...Continued)

• Virtualization don'ts: Neglecting VM resource allocation

  Tip -You can't truly benefit from virtualization if you neglect the process of virtual machine resource allocation. Here are the key steps for successful strategy.

• infrastructure management (IM)

  Definition -For an organization's information technology, infrastructure management (IM) is the management of essential operation components, such as policies, processes, equipment, data, human resources, and external contacts, for overall effectiveness.

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• High-availability guide: Using high-availability servers and systems

  Tutorial -Deploying high-availability server and systems requires proper planning and the right software choices. This guide covers all that and more.

• Death to white box servers: Why converged infrastructure is superior

  Tip -Converged infrastructure can be a powerful weapon in your arsenal to quell the virtualization performance bottlenecks caused by white box servers.

• Virtualization backup tools: How the field stacks up

  Tip -Virtualization backup tools have become a crucial investment for many IT shops. Choosing the right one requires an analysis of the features and cost.

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• Defining an ideal virtual server consolidation ratio

  Tip -Finding the best virtual server consolidation ratio is difficult, and larger, virtualization-friendly servers do not necessarily ease the process.

• The best ways to control virtual machine sprawl

  Tip -After virtual machine sprawl takes hold, all hope isn’t lost. There are ways to reclaim your environment and prevent VM sprawl from appearing again.

• Mommy, where does VM sprawl come from?

  Tip -VM sprawl creeps up on a data center. Before you can tackle the issue, it helps to understand how VM sprawl occurs and what it can do to an IT shop.

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• Ten easy ways to extend virtual host resources on the cheap

  Tip -Virtual host resources are the lifeblood a virtualization project. Finding ways to extend them will promote growth, even during lean budgetary times.

• IT showback

  Definition -An IT showback system tracks the data center utilization rates of an organization’s business units or end users.

• Chargeback vs. showback: Which method is best for you?

  News -IT shops looking to recover costs should consider a chargeback or showback model. But these strategies are rife with political and technical hurdles.

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• VMware source code leak: The implications

  Podcast -While the extent of the VMware source code is still in question, that hasn’t stopped IT shops from wondering about the potential fallout.

• How to recognize and prevent a hypervisor attack to protect data

  Tip -A hypervisor attack can hand hackers the keys to your virtual kingdom. But, with the proper precautions and tools, you can minimize the risk.

• Virtualization and hypervisor security vulnerabilities to look out for

  Tip -Virtualization and hypervisor security vulnerabilities are a real threat to organizations, and physical security tools may not help your efforts.

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• Defining an ideal virtual server consolidation ratio

  Tip -Finding the best virtual server consolidation ratio is difficult, and larger, virtualization-friendly servers do not necessarily ease the process.

• IT showback

  Definition -An IT showback system tracks the data center utilization rates of an organization’s business units or end users.

• Mommy, where does VM sprawl come from?

  Tip -VM sprawl creeps up on a data center. Before you can tackle the issue, it helps to understand how VM sprawl occurs and what it can do to an IT shop.

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• Mommy, where does VM sprawl come from?

  Tip -VM sprawl creeps up on a data center. Before you can tackle the issue, it helps to understand how VM sprawl occurs and what it can do to an IT shop.

• Virtualizing applications and virtual server migration best practices

  Tutorial -Virtualizing applications is great for ROI. With virtual server migrations and virtual appliances, you can recoup your investment even faster.

• Long-distance live migration moves within reach

  News -Doing a long-distance live migration these days is a Herculean effort, but F5 Networks says it’s time is coming for mere mortals.

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• The best ways to control virtual machine sprawl

  Tip -After virtual machine sprawl takes hold, all hope isn’t lost. There are ways to reclaim your environment and prevent VM sprawl from appearing again.

• The complete buyer’s guide for virtual infrastructure tools

  Tutorial -Searching for the right virtual infrastructure tools can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, unless you’re using our buyer’s guide.

• How to recognize and prevent a hypervisor attack to protect data

  Tip -A hypervisor attack can hand hackers the keys to your virtual kingdom. But, with the proper precautions and tools, you can minimize the risk.

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• The complete buyer’s guide for virtual infrastructure tools

  Tutorial -Searching for the right virtual infrastructure tools can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, unless you’re using our buyer’s guide.

• VMware vBenchmark goes beyond capacity planning

  News -VMware’s new free capacity analysis tool shows you how you stack up, but vBenchmark’s real value is reporting on infrastructure utilization.

• Choosing the right virtualization monitoring and management tools

  Tip -There are a bevy of virtualization monitoring and management tools on the market, and your IT shop’s success hinges on finding the right one.

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• Defining an ideal virtual server consolidation ratio

  Tip -Finding the best virtual server consolidation ratio is difficult, and larger, virtualization-friendly servers do not necessarily ease the process.

• Mommy, where does VM sprawl come from?

  Tip -VM sprawl creeps up on a data center. Before you can tackle the issue, it helps to understand how VM sprawl occurs and what it can do to an IT shop.

• The complete buyer’s guide for virtual infrastructure tools

  Tutorial -Searching for the right virtual infrastructure tools can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, unless you’re using our buyer’s guide.

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• Virtualization security and compliance Q&A with HyTrust CEO Eric Chiu

  Podcast -Virtualization security and compliance are becoming major issues. HyTrust CEO Eric Chiu discusses these trends in this edition of This Week in Virtualization.

• PCI DSS 2.0 addresses virtualization

  Podcast -PCI DSS 2.0, the new standard for handling credit card data, finally includes virtualization-specific guidelines. But admins still have questions.

• Virtualization pros grapple with PCI DSS 2.0

  News -PCI DSS 2.0 officially acknowledges server virtualization, but PCI compliance in virtual environments is still more art than science.

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• How promiscuous mode affects virtual network security

  Tip -Enabling promiscuous mode could spell doom for your virtual network security, especially if inexperienced IT pros are at the helm. So take caution.

• How to recognize and prevent a hypervisor attack to protect data

  Tip -A hypervisor attack can hand hackers the keys to your virtual kingdom. But, with the proper precautions and tools, you can minimize the risk.

• Virtualization and hypervisor security vulnerabilities to look out for

  Tip -Virtualization and hypervisor security vulnerabilities are a real threat to organizations, and physical security tools may not help your efforts.

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