Benefits of server virtualization

Resource contention and other key causes of VM performance bottlenecks

Resource contention plays a huge role in the quest for optimal virtual machine performance, but it's certainly not the only source of bottlenecks.Tip

Server virtualization benefits for mission-critical workloads

The server virtualization benefits that have transformed data centers also extend to mission-critical applications.Feature

Ask the expert: How important is balanced VM resource allocation?

Mistakenly over-allocating or under-allocating VM resources could cost your data center -- both in wasted budget and in compromised performance.ATE

Application benchmarking paints a true picture of VM resources

You try to avoid overallocating VM resources, but requirements aren't always obvious. This is when application benchmarking comes in handy.Answer

What to consider before virtualizing mission-critical applications

If they're not broken, why fix mission-critical applications by virtualizing? The same reasons you virtualize other apps: Efficiency and flexibility.Feature

Virtualizing mission-critical applications

The benefits of server virtualization have been widely accepted, but companies may still have reservations about virtualizing applications that support critical business functions, for fear of lowered performance and issues with support and licensing. But the truth is, as long as IT makes educated decisions and is prepared for potential snags, companies can gain the flexibility and lowered operational costs of virtualization for their apps with very little risk. With this handbook, readers learn how to decide if this approach makes sense for their company’s mission-critical applications. Other topics covered include how to migrate apps, how to properly allocate resources, and how to monitor and maintain performance once the transition has been made.E-Handbook

Three ways to boost server efficiency and avoid hypervisor contention

If your hypervisor isn't performing at its best, ask yourself these three questions to see if you should pay more attention to server efficiency.Feature

transparent page sharing

Transparent page sharing (TPS) is a memory management technology in virtualization.Definition

How important is hypervisor resource and workload distribution?

Hardware and software affect hypervisor performance, but what about workload distribution? How should you balance virtual and physical resources?ATE

Virtualization improved server efficiency, but did it meet the hype?

Better server efficiency was only part of virtualization's appeal. Now that the hype has subsided, has virtualization delivered all it promised?Opinion

Virtualization power management: How to save money and the Earth

Virtualization power management is yet another way a hypervisor can help cut costs to achieve maximum ROI, with the added bonus of saving the Earth.Tip

FAQ: Server virtualization in health care IT

Server virtualization can stop your data center from turning into an emergency room, but virtualization in health care IT brings unique challenges.FAQ

Data center storage virtualization considerations

Before making data center storage virtualization decisions, consider storage performance and redundant storage access, among other issuesTip

Using VMware Distributed Power Management

With VMware Distributed Power Management and Distributed Resource Schedule, you can reduce data center power consumption in a major way.Tip

Why you should consolidate your test and development environment

See how organizations use virtualization to build laboratories in order to save costs, maintain consistency and reduce their carbon footprint!Tip

Virtual systems management resource guide

Use these virtual systems management resources to learn about systems management tools that can maximize system performance and minimize downtime in a dynamic virtual environment.Learning Guide

U.S. versus global data center trends: IT priorities vary

U.S. IT shops have been harder hit by the economic crisis than those in other countries. While the U.S. leads slightly on server virtualization adoption, it lags on energy efficiency.Article | 06 Oct 2009

Consolidation eases disaster recovery and saves money

See how one company saved money and eased disaster recovery by consolidating and switching to virtualization infrastructure.Tip

Virtualization be damned: Power-efficient servers best bet for some

While many IT pros use virtualization to contain server sprawl and cut power costs, others prefer to add efficient hardware as needed.Article | 27 Mar 2009

Data center host credits virtualization for power surplus

Data center host 365 Main has excess power capacity because of its virtualization efforts and an incentive program through Pacific Gas and Electric.Article | 15 Jan 2009

Design for operational efficiency: Taking a lesson from cloud providers

Taking an innovative approach to your virtual infrastructure design can minimize time spent on maintenance and improve operational efficiency.Tip

How to achieve optimal resource allocation and why that matters

Optimal resource allocation is a tricky tightrope act for even experienced IT pros, but you can ease the process by asking yourself a few questions.FAQ

How to calculate proper Windows Server 2012 virtualization licensing

Licensing virtual servers can get confusing and expensive. Brien Posey shares the ins and outs of server licensing with a Windows Server 2012 example.Tip

Examining heterogeneous data center management methods

A heterogeneous data center often boosts ROI, but it also increases confusion. Clear the air by testing your knowledge of multi-hypervisor strategy.Quiz

How oVirt 3.1 enables free enterprise-level virtualization

If a free, enterprise-level virtualization deployment sounds like it's too good to be true, take a closer look at oVirt 3.1.Tip

Aligning virtualization and cloud strategies with business goals

As cloud strategies become common practice for virtual data centers, be sure you choose the right one that will help you meet your business goals.Column

Converging at VMworld

Migrating to desktop as a service

Calculate return on investment before moving to server virtualization

Private cloud deployment made easy

To ensure a smooth private cloud deployment, it's vital that you learn the best practices and how to apply virtualization techniques in a new way.guide

Virtualizing legacy servers without pulling out your hair

Moving a legacy server to a virtual environment provides the same benefits as virtualizing new servers, though the process is considerably trickier.Tip

Incorporating vCenter Orchestrator into your automation arsenal

Are you considering jumping into vCenter Orchestrator? Here's some expert advice on where to get started and how to use VMware's automation tool.Q&A

Strike a common-sense balance when deciding what to automate

Consider the many factors that determine the potential return on investment when deciding when and what to automate.Advisory Board

Don't fear an automation tool--it may be your best bet at job security

Don't worry about automating yourself out of a job--the added value an automation tool brings may be the best kind of job security you can find.Opinion

Despite the appeal of IT automation, don't rush to automate everything

IT automation isn't for everyone. Deciding what and how much to automate is an important point to consider before jumping headfirst into automation.Tip

The future of data centers: Software-defined, or not?

The prospect of virtualizing the entire infrastructure could change the future of data centers, but many challenges still stand in the way.Advisory Board

Optimal BIOS settings for server virtualization

The ideal mix of performance and reliability starts with learning which server BIOS settings you should configure for a virtualized system.Tip

Workflow automation software showdown: Citrix, Microsoft and VMware

Workflow automation software is growing in popularity, but each product has its limitations. Find out how products from three major vendors stack up.Tip

Four tools for managing a heterogeneous environment

Not all heterogeneous environment management tools are created equal. Check out four popular options to determine which are worth a second look.Tip

Editors pick best virtualization techniques and management strategies

Take a look at our list of the best tips of 2012 for virtualization techniques, new technologies and virtual infrastructure management strategies.Feature