Server virtualization hypervisors and management

Making Citrix XenDesktop play nice with a VMware hypervisor

You can run XenDesktop on a VMware hypervisor, but what does that entail? Learn how clustering and vCenter Server work in a mixed VDI environment.Tip

Dry advisories leave many unsatisfied with VMware security updates

A recent survey reveals that many customers expect more from VMware security updates -- something Tom Howarth has been saying for years.Q&A

VMware quiz: Do you know vMotion requirements for network, storage?

VMware vMotion enables live migration of virtual machines between ESXi hosts. Test yourself on vMotion's network requirements, storage rules and more.Quiz

Pop quiz: Know your VMware ESXi commands

Think you know the most important VMware ESXi commands? Take this short quiz to find out if you're a command-line champ.Quiz

VMware creates new vCenter Operations Manager 'gateway drug' bundle

VMware pros welcome the move to bundle vCenter Operations Manager with vSphere and charge per CPU, echoing pricing changes for vRAM and vCloud Suite.News | 13 Feb 2013

Revealing the best vSphere network configurations and strategies

Proper vSphere network configuration can test your patience. Test your skills with this VMware virtual network technologies quiz.Quiz

Experts weigh in on CTO Herrod's departure, future of VMware

No one anticipated a VMware future without Steve Herrod, but now that the reality has sunk in, IT pros see the company at a crossroads.Feature | 21 Jan 2013

VMware pros abuzz over CTO Steve Herrod’s departure

VMware CTO Steve Herrod’s departure has customers, partners and analysts wondering what will come next for the company.News | 17 Jan 2013

RHEV vs. vSphere: The virtualization platform wars

In the RHEV vs. vSphere debate, which platform has the edge? Quiz yourself on the latest developments in RHEV 3.1 and vSphere 5.1.Quiz

VMware news quiz: Product updates and snafus

Take this VMware news quiz to see if you're up to date on the latest product updates and compatibility problems that could affect your organization.Quiz

Three considerations for a multi-hypervisor environment

If you're considering a multi-hypervisor environment for flexibility, explore these three questions to see if it makes sense in your data center.guide

Heterogeneous virtualization shops aim to simplify management

Tools that plug in to native consoles can help VMware and Hyper-V shops tackle the challenges and complexities of multi-hypervisor management.News | 10 Apr 2013

differencing disk

A differencing disk is a virtual hard disk (VHD) that stores changes made to another VHD or to the guest operating system.Definition

Puppet, VMware bring DevOps automation tools to vCenter

New automation tools from Puppet aim to introduce VMware admins to the world of DevOps, but programming knowledge remains a barrier for some IT pros.News | 08 Mar 2013

VMware shops greet Virsto arrival with caution

Though VMware acquired storage I/O acceleration software maker Virsto Software, some IT pros question the potential benefits of adding another layer.News | 13 Feb 2013

VMware creates new vCenter Operations Manager 'gateway drug' bundle

VMware pros welcome the move to bundle vCenter Operations Manager with vSphere and charge per CPU, echoing pricing changes for vRAM and vCloud Suite.News | 13 Feb 2013

From VMware fling to supported tool: vCenter Multi-Hypervisor Manager

Take a look inside former VMware fling, vCenter Multi-Hypervisor Manager. Despite its name, the application may just be a way to prompt conversion.Tip

Virtual desktop delivery and management options: Reducing complexity, increasing flexibility

Decoding the VMware universe

Introduction: Editor’s Letter

Five things I learned at VMworld 2012

There were a slew of product announcements at VMworld, but some of the most important things I learned won't appear in any technical release notes.Opinion

Consumerization tidbits from VMworld 2012

Read what incoming VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger and others had to say about the consumerization of IT at this year's show.News | 30 Aug 2012

Quotes of the week: VMware VDI strives to answer mobile workforce

VMworld 2012 was awash with cloud and mobile news, but desktop virtualization also took steps forward. Hear what IT pros had to say about View 5.1 and more.Feature

VMware vSphere 5.1 updates include Web client, disaster recovery

Many IT pros commended the technical improvements in vSphere 5.1, saying they were just as important as the move away from vRAM licensing.News | 30 Aug 2012

VMware Horizon Suite to bundle end-user computing tools

VMware's Horizon Suite will bundle its Horizon Application Manager, Project Octopus and Horizon Mobile products, but IT pros will have to wait until next year to see it in action.News | 29 Aug 2012

VMware Horizon Suite expected to trump VDI for mobile app delivery

VDI offers a way to deliver apps to tablets, but VMware's Horizon Suite may become a better alternative.News | 29 Aug 2012

Software-defined networking, storage the name of the game at VMworld

As VMworld 2012 winds down, experts on the show floor discuss this year's emphasis on software-defined networking.Video

VMware to merge cloud and server virtualization suites

The fusion of VMware vCloud with vCenter Operations and Server has already begun with version 5.1, but sources say further integration is coming.News | 28 Aug 2012

Best of VMworld 2012 awards

A panel of more than 10 industry experts selected the best technologies for TechTarget'’s Best of VMworld 2012 awards. And the winners are …News | 28 Aug 2012

New cloud integration, tools let IT pros mix and match platforms

IT managers have more cloud options thanks to increasingly flexible management tools, though much of the technology has yet to be proven.News | 28 Aug 2012

differencing disk

A differencing disk is a virtual hard disk (VHD) that stores changes made to another VHD or to the guest operating system.Definition

Chapter excerpt and expert advice for getting started with Hyper-V

Curious about the newest version of Microsoft's hypervisor? In this Q&A, we talk with an expert about his advice for getting started with Hyper-V.Q&A

The Microsoft Hyper-V snapshot explained

Snapshots are an important management tool, but they aren't an alternative to backups. Find out how a Hyper-V snapshot works and how to use it.FAQ

Guide: Exchange Server virtualization and Hyper-V

So you say you want to virtualize Exchange on Hyper-V? Get the low-down on cost savings, advantages gained and more.guide

Crash course: Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V introduction

Looking for a quick Hyper-V introduction? We've got you covered with these tips highlighting important changes to Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V.FAQ

How Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V is changing the virtualization market

Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V is gaining traction in the virtualization market. Find out why one expert thinks now is Microsoft's time to shine.Expert Q&A

Hyper-V Replica

Hyper-V Replica is a free disaster recovery tool in Hyper-V 3.0 that creates and maintains copies of virtual machines (VMs ). In the event of a catastrophic loss, an administrator can failover to the replica VMs and provide business continuity.Definition

Creating a Hyper-V update roadmap to get it right the first time

Recent Microsoft licensing changes make thorough planning imperative when tackling a Hyper-V update. Is your organization prepared?Tip

Crash course for a Microsoft Hyper-V 3.0 upgrade

Failing to master the basics of Microsoft Hyper-V 3.0 could come back to haunt your IT shop down the road. Give yourself a crash course now.Quiz

How much do you really know about Hyper-V 3.0 features?

The allure of new Hyper-V 3.0 features might have you itching to upgrade. Before you begin a potentially costly project, put your knowledge to the test.Quiz

differencing disk

A differencing disk is a virtual hard disk (VHD) that stores changes made to another VHD or to the guest operating system.Definition

VMware Certified Professional (VCP)

VCP is VMware's most-successful and longest-running certificate. This entry-level certification requires the applicant to take an official VMware education course, either online or in-person.Definition

CloudPhysics' resource management tool studies virtual infrastructures

A new service from startup CloudPhysics may have admins rethinking resource management. Would you send data to the cloud for analysis and comparison?Tip

Using vCenter Infrastructure Navigator to map application dependencies

VMware’s Infrastructure Navigator is a key addition to the vCenter Operations suite that can help you better understand application dependencies and improve disaster recovery.Tip

VMware to Hyper-V converts share lessons learned

Users making the switch from VMware to Hyper-V say they’ll save on licensing costs, but migration plans can be stymied by Linux VM migrations and long-term licensing agreements.News | 02 May 2012

VMware vSphere 5 licensing sets virtual RAM limits

Some VMware users are up in arms about the new vSphere 5 licensing and pricing, which is based on the amount of memory assigned to VMs.News | 13 Jul 2011

VMware memory overcommit

Memory overcommit is the memory allocation feature for Vmware.Definition

VMware shops grapple with VM stall

Users report that ongoing VM stall in vSphere environments mainly arises from interoperability glitches with underlying infrastructure and finger-pointing among vendors.News | 02 Mar 2011

XenServer management for the VMware administrator

If you’re a VMware administrator, you may not have ventured outside the VMware realm. But learning XenServer management with the command line can round out your infrastructure skills.Tip

Debating VMware security: Cloud, vShield and more

The long-term VMware security vision includes self-securing apps for cloud computing and an expanded vShield role. Two experts debate the merits of these VMware security plans.Podcast

Use your PowerShell prowess to add VHD files to a Hyper-V VM

Need to import VHD files into Hyper-V, but don't know how to go about it? PowerShell to the rescue!Answer

Adding Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V hosts to SCVMM the easy way

If you're looking to speed up a deployment and add new Hyper-V hosts faster, ditch the graphical tool and use PowerShell to automate the process.Tip

Heterogeneous virtualization shops aim to simplify management

Tools that plug in to native consoles can help VMware and Hyper-V shops tackle the challenges and complexities of multi-hypervisor management.News | 10 Apr 2013

differencing disk

A differencing disk is a virtual hard disk (VHD) that stores changes made to another VHD or to the guest operating system.Definition

SCVMM PowerShell module trick: Skip the management tool install

Learn how to get the cmdlets you need to manage SCVMM from anywhere in the world by using Remoting to import a PowerShell module.Tip

Chapter excerpt and expert advice for getting started with Hyper-V

Curious about the newest version of Microsoft's hypervisor? In this Q&A, we talk with an expert about his advice for getting started with Hyper-V.Q&A

Enable PowerShell remoting to run commands on remote machines

Managing multiple systems from a remote location can help save admins time and money, but first, you need to enable PowerShell remoting.Ask the Expert

The Microsoft Hyper-V snapshot explained

Snapshots are an important management tool, but they aren't an alternative to backups. Find out how a Hyper-V snapshot works and how to use it.FAQ

Microsoft Hyper-V Quick Migration

Hyper-V Quick Migration is a feature available in Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V R2 that allows users to move running virtual machines (VMs) from one host to another with minimal downtime.Definition

The five best Windows PowerShell v3 commands every admin should know

Windows PowerShell v3 can even trip up IT pros, but it behooves you to master the syntax. Here are five of the most useful PowerShell v3 commands.Photo Story

Ask the expert: Xen, KVM and other free hypervisor options

Virtualization ultimately saves you money, but you need to front costs first -- or do you? We asked an expert to explain free hypervisor options.Ask the Expert

Exploring advanced scripts with XenServer PowerShell cmdlets

With XenServer PowerShell cmdlets, sometimes basic commands aren’t enough. Keep these advanced scripts in your arsenal for slicker management.Tip

Putting the hypervisor market into perspective

The hypervisor market constantly grows and changes, but don’t let that overwhelm you. Knowledge is power when it comes to virtualization decisions.Tip

Citrix XenServer 'on the clock' as hypervisor wars heat up

Citrix will add shared-nothing storage live migration to XenServer, to compete with Microsoft's Hyper-V.News | 13 Jul 2012

VMware and Citrix changing course: Buzz from the virtual water cooler

VMware and Citrix made some interesting moves this past week, prompting some colorful commentary. Read up on what you may have missed.Feature

How open source Xen lost its footing

Open source Xen initially caused a stir in the industry, but a series of moves from Linux vendors has stunted the hypervisor’s adoption rate.Column | 04 Apr 2012

Top 10 server virtualization news stories of 2011

New technologies, new products and new controversies made headlines in 2011. Find out which made our list of the top server virtualization news.News | 20 Dec 2011

QuorumSoft adds file-level restore for XenServer: News in brief

Actifio scores funding, expands in North America; DataCore melds software with Microsoft SCOM; EMC Iomega, StorMagic certified for vSphere 5.News | 09 Dec 2011

Virtualization Decisions 2011 Purchasing Intentions Survey

Read the Virtualization Decisions 2011 Purchasing Intentions Survey to see the latest virtualization, data center and cloud computing trends.guide

Open source hypervisors on VMware shops’ radars

Respondents in our 2011 Virtualization Decisions survey gave Citrix XenServer and Red Hat KVM a new look.News | 11 Oct 2011

Adding hosts and virtual machines to an oVirt 3. 1 environment

Before you get started using the free oVirt 3.1 hypervisor, you'll need to set up the basic organizational structure and add hosts. Learn how here.Tip

Red Hat Storage (RHS)

Red Hat Storage is a new distributed file system based on the Gluster file system.Definition

Easier cloud provisioning with new Red Hat storage features

The new storage features in RHEV 3.1 not only let you avoid VM downtime, but also increase flexibility needed for cloud provisioning.Tip

RHCVA (Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator)

The Red Hat Certified Virtualization Administrator (RHCVA) is a certification exam from Red Hat, Inc.Definition

OVirt vs. RHEV: Are they interchangeable?

If you wonder about the difference between RHEV 3.1 and oVirt 3.1, you're not alone. We asked an expert to clear up any oVirt vs. RHEV confusion.Ask the Expert

What to expect from the RHEV 3.1 Web-based management interface

RHEV's Web-based management interface would never be described as intuitive -- until this latest version included with RHEV 3.1, that is.Tip

Ask the expert: Xen, KVM and other free hypervisor options

Virtualization ultimately saves you money, but you need to front costs first -- or do you? We asked an expert to explain free hypervisor options.Ask the Expert

Prep your Red Hat servers for an RHEV 3.1 upgrade

Learn how to upgrade to RHEV 3.1 and take advantage of new features, including storage live migration and a new Web client.Tip

oVirt

The free virtualization management Web application community project, oVirt, was started by Red Hat Inc.Definition

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

Oracle releases new Intel x86 servers against market headwinds

Oracle launches new x86 servers based on latest Intel Xeon chip a month after its release. Some analysts doubt Oracle can win HP and IBM customers.News | 10 Apr 2012

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

Virtualization Decisions 2011 Purchasing Intentions Survey

Read the Virtualization Decisions 2011 Purchasing Intentions Survey to see the latest virtualization, data center and cloud computing trends.guide

Q&A: Cross-platform virtualization management

More data centers are running multiple virtualization platforms, but with this approach, virtualization management can get complicated.Q&A

Top 10 hypervisors: Choosing the best hypervisor technology

To find the best hypervisor technology, first decide whether you want a hosted or bare-metal virtualization hypervisor.Tip

Oracle virtualization 101: Installing Oracle VM Server and Manager

Hop in and take a test drive with Oracle VM. The Oracle virtualization platform is easy to install, but it involves three different components.Tip

VSphere 5 generally available: VMworld 2011 news in brief

VMware is kicking off its annual conference by shipping out its latest release; F5 supports Metro vMotion; VKernel rolls out vOperations Suite 4; VCE adds new Vblock for VDI.News | 29 Aug 2011

Is Oracle VM 3.0 finally ready for prime time?

New scalability and management features in Oracle VM 3.0 make it a more serious contender, experts say, but the jury’s still out on whether users will consider OVM as a primary hypervisor.News | 24 Aug 2011

Xangati beefs up free VMware monitoring tool: News in brief

Netuitive adds Hyper-V support; Syncsort offers 10 minute P2V through NetApp; Oracle releases Oracle VM for x86 version 2.2.2; HP adds VAAI support to entry-level disk array.News in brief | 24 Jun 2011

Linux kernel to fully support Xen: Too little too late?

The mainline Linux kernel now supports Xen, but the KVM horse has left the barn, say experts.News | 07 Jun 2011

Moving virtual machines from VMware to Hyper-V with SCVMM and MVMC

Find out how easy it is to make the transition from VMware to Hyper-V with SCVMM or the Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter.ATE

VMware pricing under fire from Hyper-V, cloud

VMware customers can use the emergence of Hyper-V and other competitors to get better deals. If not, adopting these platforms is now a viable option.News | 19 Apr 2013

Guidelines for conquering virtualization project inertia

Switching hypervisors or deploying a private cloud can be a marathon struggle, but there is hope for successfully tackling a virtualization project.Q&A

Infrastructure provisioning challenges: Linking physical and virtual

Infrastructure provisioning tools often fail to bridge the management gap between physical and virtual. Is vendor standardization the answer?Feature

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

Comparing the subtle differences between vMotion vs. Live Migration

Both VMware and Microsoft now offer a shared nothing VM migration feature. Find out how they stack up in this vMotion vs. Live Migration comparison.Tip

Speak out: Take our 2013 Reader's Choice Survey

How has new technology changed your job? Your confidential answers will help us create our state of the data center report and examine future trends.Survey

software-defined data center (SDDC)

A software-defined data center (SDDC) is a data storage facility in which all elements of the infrastructure -- networking, storage, CPU and security – are virtualized and delivered as a service. Deployment, provisioning, configuration and operation of the entire infrastructure is abstracted from hardware and implemented through software.Definition

Emerging trends: Vendors pushing the software defined data center

It's a growing trend, but are multiple hypervisors the right answer?

More large organizations are turning to multiple hypervisors to improve performance or reduce costs, but is now the time to jump on the bandwagon?Advisory Board