Virtualization Strategies for the CIOEmail Alerts
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Products of the Year 2011
For the Products of the Year 2011 awards, our expert judges chose the best server virtualization technologies of the year. And the winners are... Winners
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Hosted virtualization hypervisors and use cases: The complete guide
Bare-metal virtualization isn’t the only thing out there. There’s also hosted virtualization, which is great for small infrastructures or testing environments. Tutorial
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Application virtualization FAQ
Application virtualization can ease server virtualization management woes. But an admin must first understand how the technologies are complementary. Tutorial
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Server Virtualization Advisory Board
The Server Virtualization Advisory Board consists of systems administrators and consultants who specialize in server virtualization technology. Every month, members of the Server Virtualization Advisory Board weigh in on a hot topic in the market. Advisory Board
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IT process automation and automated performance monitoring
IT process automation is the foundation of an automated virtual infrastructure. You can improve server automation by linking simple tasks such as VM provisioning and configuration. Tutorial
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Task automation and workflow orchestration with virtualization
By nature, virtualization already eliminates a lot of manual processes, but task automation and workflow orchestration can make your infrastructure even more efficient. Tutorial
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Server virtualization technology options: A face-off directory
When it comes to server virtualization technology, you have lots of options: ISCSI or NFS? Xen or KVM? Experts debate these options and more. GUIDE
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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
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What new virtualization features do you want?
New virtualization features keep getting more advanced, but there’s always room to improve. Our advisory board members share their wish lists. Advisory Board
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Virtual desktops: A server admin’s guide
Virtual desktops can solve some specific IT problems, but it’s a very different game than server virtualization. We break down desktop virtualization technology and its use cases. Tutorial
- See More: Essential Knowledge on Introduction to virtualization and how-tos
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Asking stupid questions can lead to server virtualization success
Stupid questions are rarely stupid. In fact, asking stupid questions can challenge the status quo, leading to better results in the data center. Column | 24 Feb 2012
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Virtualization hardware and data center design: Did the debate shift?
When it comes to virtualization hardware, converged infrastructure like NetApp FlexPod and VCE Vblock is taking the place of yesterday’s vertically scaled systems. Column | 30 Jan 2012
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Geek gifts gone wrong: What not to buy your loved ones
Geeks confess the nerdy gifts that didn’t work out and offer a note of caution when it comes to buying for them, too. Hint: no more USB sticks. News | 15 Dec 2011
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What to buy a geek for the holidays: The complete shopping guide
IT pros are making their wish lists and checking them twice as the holiday shopping season heats up. News | 14 Dec 2011
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Experience more important than VCP, VMware users say
The VMware Certified Professional is still a must-have virtualization certification, but with so many VCPs out there, IT pros say experience matters more than ever. News | 05 Dec 2011
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Physical servers live on longer than IT pros predict
Hypervisors are more technically capable than ever of taking on new workloads, but logistical issues like legacy apps, budget and time constraints still stand in the way of server consolidation. News | 12 Oct 2011
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Virtualization management tools: The compact cars of IT
Most virtualization management tools look and feel the same these days, and IT pros are waiting to be wowed. COLUMN | 22 Sep 2011
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Evaluating software with virtual appliances
Evaluating software often involves lengthy, complicated POC deployments. But virtual appliances can make the process faster and more effective. COLUMN | 23 Aug 2011
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Virtualization security helps state agency recover from breach
After a security breach in 2008, New Mexico’s Human Services Department turned to tools from Juniper and HyTrust to harden its virtual server environment. News | 20 Jul 2011
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Free virtualization: It’s free for a reason
Free virtualization hypervisors can be tempting, but they often lack features, such as live migration and high availability, that really unlock the technology’s power. Column | 15 Jun 2011
- See More: News on Introduction to virtualization and how-tos
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Taking the pain out of the Internet Explorer requirement for RHEV 3.0
Despite the hoopla over ditching Windows Server, RHEV 3.0 still requires Internet Explorer. But configuring IE doesn’t need to be a hassle. Tip
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The best ways to control virtual machine sprawl
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. Tip
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Mommy, where does VM sprawl come from?
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. Tip
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PowerShell v3 in Hyper-V 3.0: New fun for command-line junkies
Deep in the weeds of the impending Hyper-V 3.0 release is PowerShell v3, which offers new management features for command-line junkies. Tip
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Evaluating RHEV 3.0 in a test environment
RHEV 3.0 offers enterprise-grade features at low price point. To see if it’s right for your IT shop, you can build a small RHEV 3.0 test environment. Tip
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Common storage and virtual machine snapshot challenges
Snapshots are a lifesaver, when used correctly. Just avoid the common storage and virtual machine snapshot pitfalls, so you can breathe easy. Tip
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Demystifying storage and virtualization snapshots
Vendors have different definitions for storage and virtualization snapshots. Take the time to learn the differences, because they can be a lifesaver. Tip
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Installing Hyper-V 3.0 on a test server
Whether you prefer a GUI or the command line, installing and configuring Hyper-V 3.0 on a test server is a breeze. Tip
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The hardware requirements for testing Hyper-V 3.0
Testing Hyper-V 3.0 is a no-brainer, considering the minimal hardware requirements. It will help you gain skills and experience before the release. Tip
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How the evolution of virtualization redefined efficient data centers
The evolution of virtualization has promoted more efficient data centers. Now IT shops can reduce costs while increasing performance. Tip
- See More: Tips on Introduction to virtualization and how-tos
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What’s in your virtualization home lab?
A virtualization home lab is a great way to gain more experience, but it can be pricey. Even so, our advisory board thinks it’s worth the investment. Answer
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How virtualization pros can land their next IT job
Virtualization pros who are unhappy in their current role would be wise to follow our advisory board’s advice. It may help you land your next IT job. Answer
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Devising in-house workarounds to solve virtualization problems
Virtualization problems are bound to come up. But you don’t need a pricey product to solve your issues. You can always devise an in-house workaround. Answer
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Technology books: Our experts’ favorites
Everyone has their favorite technology books. Members of our Server Virtualization Advisory Board share theirs. Advisory Board
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Creating a live operating system in a VMware environment
Site expert Andrew Kutz answers a user question about creating live operating systems in a VMware environment. Ask the Expert
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Working with Xen in Slackware 12.0
Site expert Bernard Golden answers a user question about working with Xen in Slackware 12. Ask the Expert
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How do I know if a server can be virtualized?
Find out if your servers are virtualization enabled in this expert response from James Geis. Ask the Expert
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Best practices for naming VMware virtual machines
Are you naming your VMware virtual machines in a way that will help you keep track of where they are and what they do? If not, you must read this expert response by Andrew Kutz. Ask the Expert
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Documenting Virtual Server virtual machines
How is virtual machine documentation handled in Microsoft Virtual Server? Find out. Ask the Expert
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Are vendors inflating virtualization capabilities?
This reader saw an article that said vendors make unrealistic virtualization claims. He wanted a second opinion from us. See what expert Serdar Yegulalp had to say. Ask the Expert
- See More: Expert Advice on Introduction to virtualization and how-tos
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guest virtual machine (guest VM)
A guest virtual machine (guest VM) is the software component of a virtual machine (VM), an independent instance of an operating system (called a guest operating system) and its associated software and information. Definition
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host virtual machine (host VM)
A host virtual machine is the server component of a virtual machine (VM), the underlying hardware that provides computing resources to support a particular guest virtual machine (guest VM). Definition
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virtualization
Virtualization is the creation of a virtual (rather than actual) version of something, such as an operating system, a server, a storage device or network resources. There are three areas of IT where virtualization is making headroads, network virtual... Definition
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paravirtualization
Paravirtualization is an enhancement of virtualization technology in which a guest OS is recompiled prior to installation inside a virtual machine... (Continued) Definition
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hypervisor
A hypervisor, also called a virtual machine manager, is a program that allows multiple operating systems to share a single hardware processor. Definition
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How server virtualization works
Server virtualization brings several benefits, especially when it comes to server consolidation. This video covers how server virtualization works to bring these benefits to life. Video
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Virtual machine sprawl prevention FAQs
Virtual machine sprawl can make a mess of your infrastructure. Learn what causes the problem and get tips on taming virtual machine sprawl in this podcast with expert Rick Vanover. Podcast
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Oracle virtualization support excludes VMware, Microsoft, Citrix
Oracle clears up its virtualization policy and won't support third-party platforms after all. Find out what it means for Oracle's push into the market. Podcast
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Microsoft GM: Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V R2 beats VMware on price
Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V R2 offers similar virtualization capabilities to VMware vSphere 4 but at a lower price, Windows Server General Manager Iain McDonald said at the Microsoft TechEd 2009 conference. Video
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A hypervisor on your laptop?
Virtual Computer talks about its next-generation virtual desktop offering using a hypervisor-based approach like VMware vClient. But unlike vClient, NxTop is already here. Video
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Virtual Datacenter Operating System revealed
VMware's Bogomil Balkansky explains the new Virtual Datacenter Operating System (VDC-OS), VMware's "internal cloud" that harnesses data center resources and applies a layer of management. Video
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Taking the pain out of the Internet Explorer requirement for RHEV 3.0
Despite the hoopla over ditching Windows Server, RHEV 3.0 still requires Internet Explorer. But configuring IE doesn’t need to be a hassle. Tip
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What’s in your virtualization home lab?
A virtualization home lab is a great way to gain more experience, but it can be pricey. Even so, our advisory board thinks it’s worth the investment. Answer
-
The best ways to control virtual machine sprawl
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. Tip
-
Mommy, where does VM sprawl come from?
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. Tip
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How virtualization pros can land their next IT job
Virtualization pros who are unhappy in their current role would be wise to follow our advisory board’s advice. It may help you land your next IT job. Answer
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PowerShell v3 in Hyper-V 3.0: New fun for command-line junkies
Deep in the weeds of the impending Hyper-V 3.0 release is PowerShell v3, which offers new management features for command-line junkies. Tip
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Evaluating RHEV 3.0 in a test environment
RHEV 3.0 offers enterprise-grade features at low price point. To see if it’s right for your IT shop, you can build a small RHEV 3.0 test environment. Tip
-
Common storage and virtual machine snapshot challenges
Snapshots are a lifesaver, when used correctly. Just avoid the common storage and virtual machine snapshot pitfalls, so you can breathe easy. Tip
-
Demystifying storage and virtualization snapshots
Vendors have different definitions for storage and virtualization snapshots. Take the time to learn the differences, because they can be a lifesaver. Tip
-
Installing Hyper-V 3.0 on a test server
Whether you prefer a GUI or the command line, installing and configuring Hyper-V 3.0 on a test server is a breeze. Tip
- See More: All on Introduction to virtualization and how-tos
About Introduction to virtualization and how-tos
In this section, we offer resources on the basics of virtualization, an overview of different models of virtualization, such as hosted, bare-metal and OS-level virtualization, and we establish different virtualization providers' role –including VMware, Microsoft, Citrix Systems Virtuozzo and more-- in building virtualization architectural models. This section's resources are designed for administrators, data center managers and others looking for an introduction to virtualization and an overview on how virtualization works.