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Server hardware and virtualization

• Mix test and production environments with hyper-convergence

  Despite the enhanced separation that hyper-converged infrastructure can offer, it's better to mix environments and use rules to create a hardware-independent workload balance. Continue Reading

• 512e disks attempt to bridge the gap between 512n and 4Kn

  It's important to ensure that your OS and hypervisor support 512e and 4Kn disks, but there are always alternatives to work around any incompatibilities. Continue Reading

• What to do with used server equipment after virtualization

  If virtual consolidation has left you with extra server hardware, put those boxes to good use and give old servers new life. Continue Reading

• Local storage solves some problems, creates others

  Local storage helps address virtualization-related IO performance problems but raises potential security concerns, especially for cloud environments. Continue Reading

• Reclaim your storage: Large swap files waste SSD space

  Swap files enable features like memory overcommit, but they can also waste space on expensive solid-state drives. Find out how to reclaim some of that space without putting your systems at risk. Continue Reading

• Making the most of local flash storage for virtualization

  Lower-cost PCIe and solid-state drives are making local flash storage a viable option for improving virtual machine performance.Continue Reading

• VMware alternatives offer users opportunity to change

  VMware isn't the right fit for everyone, so what's the next step? There are options, like cloud, if you want to move away from VMware.Continue Reading

• When to choose lights-out management compatible servers

  Lights-out management platforms can help with administrative tasks, but don't work with all hardware.Continue Reading

• Blade servers vs. rack servers in the SDDC

  As a consolidation tool, blades seem like a logical choice for virtualization, but availability concerns mean the decision isn't cut and dry.Continue Reading

• Hardware specs you need in a server for virtualization

  When it’s time to buy a new server, make sure you're getting the CPU and memory you need to maximize consolidation.Continue Reading

• Pods fit for virtualization, but bring HA clustering challenges

  Converged infrastructure pods are a good option for virtualization, but administrators must decide whether simplicity is worth a clustering headache.Continue Reading

• How VMware NSX differs from other network virtualization software

  Network virtualization software like VMware's NSX differs from virtualization technologies like software-defined networking regarding traffic direction.Continue Reading

• The reality of processor performance improvement with hyperthreading

  Hyperthreading aims to improve processor performance by organizing and scheduling application threads, but it's not always the most efficient method.Continue Reading

• Handle changing server workloads by employing high-performance GPUs

  Graphics capabilities have long been an important feature of PCs, but today's data centers are also deploying high-performance GPUs for servers.Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• Five tips for building a VMware virtual infrastructure

  Building a virtual infrastructure starts with good design and careful planning. These five tips will get you started with a VMware infrastructure.Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• When is it time to consider a multi-hypervisor environment?

  Is it time to add a second hypervisor? Licensing, vendor lock-in and technology updates can all play a part in the multi-hypervisor decision.Continue Reading

• What are the challenges of multi-hypervisor management in the data center?

  Adding a second hypervisor means adding complexity into the IT environment. Know the challenges before you deploy.Continue Reading

• Want per-VM reports and statistics? Turn to hypervisor-aware storage

  Virtualization admins will have less of an opportunity to blame storage for unidentifiable problems thanks to the advent of hypervisor-aware storage.Continue Reading

• Is a fully virtualized infrastructure a good idea for your business?

  Years ago, experts asked whether a fully virtualized infrastructure was even possible. That debate is settled, but is 100% virtualization a good idea?Continue Reading

• How much do server configurations affect hypervisor performance?

  Software plays an important role in virtual infrastructure performance, but can you optimize performance by tweaking server configurations?Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• Understanding the many facets of infrastructure convergence

  Today, vendors are pushing all types of infrastructure convergence. Find out how each can make a difference in your environment.Continue Reading

• How the software-defined data center changes the virtualization game

  By removing the traditional constraints of physical hardware, the software-defined data center offers flexibility.Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

• Defining an ideal virtual server consolidation ratio

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

• New virtual data center design decisions with Hyper-V 3.0

  IT pros are presented with new virtual data center design options, thanks to new feature in Hyper-V 3.0. So which architecture will you choose?Continue Reading

• Boosting data center efficiency with converged infrastructure hardware

  Converged infrastructure hardware can make an IT pro’s little easier. The robust management capabilities alone can boost data center efficiency.Continue Reading

• 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.Continue Reading

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

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

• Mitigating the risk of a second virtualization hypervisor installation

  Introducing a second virtualization hypervisor into a data center can create management and capability issues. With proper planning and testing, you can overcome these challenges.Continue Reading

• Should your IT shop consider multiple server virtualization platforms?

  More and more IT shops are implementing multiple server virtualization platforms to increase interoperability and abstraction as well as lower costs.Continue Reading

• Server virtualization predictions for 2012

  It’s that time of the year. Our advisory board members offer their server virtualization predictions for 2012. (Hint: They mention cloud computing.)Continue Reading

• Home labs for virtualization: Easier than ever to build

  Having a home lab helps IT pros sharpen their virtualization skills. Now, more than ever, building a home lab is within reach.Continue Reading

• Fibre Channel vs. Ethernet: Is the storage networking war over?

  In virtualized data centers, Ethernet is rapidly replacing Fibre Channel as the preferred shared storage transport mechanism. Here’s why.Continue Reading

• Which new server virtualization technology are you most thankful for?

  As server virtualization technology matures, new features open up different possibilities. Our experts explain what new features they’re thankful for.Continue Reading

• Hardware migration: How server clustering can help you ditch old hosts

  Getting rid of obsolete hardware is no easy task, but with a hardware migration, you can move VMs to new hosts with little downtime.Continue Reading

• Choosing a virtualization hypervisor: Eight factors to consider

  Whether you choose a hosted or bare-metal hypervisor, consider performance, cost, reliability and more as you pick a virtualization hypervisor.Continue Reading

• Virtualizing Exchange Server 2010: Hardware requirements and more

  Resources, storage and hardware, oh my! Following these requirements for virtualizing Exchange Server 2010 will keep performance in tip-top shape.Continue Reading

• Automating Windows OS deployment in virtual infrastructures

  Free is good. Free and automated is even better. There are lots of dynamic Windows OS deployment methods, but some may not fit your infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Reserving cluster resources to boost high availability

  It's easy to get caught up in the allure of high availability, but if you don't reserve unused cluster resources, virtual machines can experience downtime. Unused resources aren't wasted.Continue Reading

• Hardware compatibility issues lead to virtualization problems

  Even little things like using USB drives for backups can cause major virtualization problems. A VAR shares his story about overcoming hardware compatibility issues.Continue Reading

• Data center high-availability technology: A holistic approach

  To fully achieve data center high availability, you must extend high-availability technology and strategies beyond servers and take your facilities into account, too.Continue Reading

• Data center planning considerations for high availability

  Sure, virtualization brings flexibility, but high-availability data center planning is still crucial. Take full advantage of the benefits of data center high availability.Continue Reading

• High-availability solutions in nonvirtualized environments

  High-availability solutions ensure uptime and help avoid infrastructure problems. But without virtualization, their hardware and software requirements can be quite pricey.Continue Reading

• Hidden virtualization costs: Hardware upgrades, security and more

  Network and storage hardware upgrades, security products and training are some of the hidden virtualization costs that can throw off your TCO/ROI calculations.Continue Reading

• Virtualization costs include software, hardware and labor

  Virtualization software, hardware and labor will all affect your TCO and ROI calculations. Consider them all to get a true picture of your virtualization costs.Continue Reading

• Xen open source virtual machine monitor explained

  Virtual machine live migration functionality is just one of the features that make the Xen open source virtual machine monitor appealing. Go in-depth with this technology with this expanded definition.Continue Reading

• FAQ: How to select optimal memory, CPU and storage for virtualization

  How do you select the "best" memory, CPU and storage for virtualization? These answers to frequently asked questions will guide you in your decision-making.Continue Reading

• Virtualization and networking FAQs

  These virtualization and networking FAQs cover virtual network configuration and performance and other virtual network concepts.Continue Reading

• Virtual server migration FAQs

  Find out anwers to the most frequently asked questions on virtual server migration, including the best available virtual server migration tools.Continue Reading

• Raising the I/O virtualization bar with Xsigo Systems' VP780 IO Director

  With Xsigo Systems' I/O virtualization technology, you can dramatically reduce the complexity involved in managing your cables and switching and reduce troubleshooting time.Continue Reading

• The best virtualization hardware guide

  This best virtualization hardware guide explains the key hardware to consider whether you're implementing first-time virtualization or existing upgrading data center infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Afore Solutions' ASE: Enabling long-distance VMotion over a WAN

  Enabling long-distance live migration of virtual machines across a WAN, Afore Solutions' Advanced Service Edge enhances virtual server management without downtime.Continue Reading

• Cisco UCS review: Integrating server, storage, network management

  Cisco's UCS, or Unified Computing System architecture, is a standout hardware for virtualization technology by integrates server hardware, storage and network management.Continue Reading

• Migration from physical to virtual servers explained

  Do you know how or when to migrate from a physical server to a virtual server? Follow these steps to make the most of server migration tools and move to virtual machines.Continue Reading

• Get started with Intel VT

  Intel Virtualization Technology adds memory management features, manages processor interrupts and easily migrates virtual machines across servers that run Intel VT-x supported processors. Why wouldn't you want to learn more?Continue Reading

• How AMD Virtualization (AMD-V) technology works

  Find out how AMD-V technology has changed the way physical processors and guest virtual machines communicate and learn how Rapid Virtualization Indexing enhances performance.Continue Reading

• Differences of physical and virtual data migrations

  Do you know the most flexible approach to data migration? Is it a V2V or V2P? Learn the best approach in this tip.Continue Reading

• How server consolidation can benefit your data center

  The benefits of server consolidation include greater computing efficiency, lower power and cooling costs, and the flexibility to migrate workloads between physical servers.Continue Reading

• Using Diskshadow for backing up Hyper-V workloads

  For virtual machine backups, you can save on Windows Server 2008 costs with Diskshadow, an alternative to Hyper-V's Volume Shadow Copy Service.Continue Reading

• Sizing the right hardware for high-availability Hyper-V clusters

  Because of RAM limits, Hyper-V clusters need multiple hosts as well as powerful servers so that virtualized environments don't waste space and can fail over if a host goes down.Continue Reading

• The benefits of application virtualization for servers and clouds

  By mixing application virtualization with server virtualization, you can improve the management of servers, cloud computing and other data center resources.Continue Reading

• Selecting CPU, processors and memory for virtualized environments

  There are several aspects to choosing CPU and memory for your virtual environment. In the selection process, processor speed, the number of cores needed and the type of DIMMs you use are all critical considerations. An expert outlines what you ...Continue Reading

• Blades vs. rack servers: Basic purchasing principles still apply

  Both blade servers and rack-mount servers offer advantages in a virtual environment. But whichever host hardware you choose, remember the basic principles of hardware purchasing.Continue Reading

• Hardware purchasing strategies for virtual deployments

  Server hardware is changing rapidly to meet the needs of virtualization software, but which hardware should you buy? An expert explains processors, memory, compatibility and other considerations.Continue Reading

• Server repurposing: Achieving more efficient data center virtualization

  Effective virtual architecture enables you to make rapid changes to servers, software and storage. This tip explains why server repurposing increases virtualization's efficiency.Continue Reading

• Comparing I/O virtualization products

  Finding the I/O virtualization approach that is appropriate for your environment depends on your specific business needs. In part three of this series on virtualizing I/O, contributor Scott Lowe discusses the differences between various I/O ...Continue Reading

• Maximizing I/O virtualization

  Use I/O virtualization to consolidate virtual server workloads and reduce port and NIC overcrowding with this tip.Continue Reading

• Leveraging legacy IT with virtualization

  Migrating legacy applications to virtual machines maximizes the benefits of next-generation hardware. Learn how to retain older programs and preserve IT investments by following these examples of native and cross-platform virtualization migration.Continue Reading

• Achieving high availability in a virtualized environment

  High availability (HA) in virtual environments now requires an arsenal of tools, including spare hardware provisioning and system health checks for rapid fault detection.Continue Reading

• Networking problems the next virtualization hurdle?

  Add networking problems to the list of concerns for virtual environments, including network traffic gluts, too few network interface cards, and poor network security.Continue Reading

• Virtualization boosts Linux, Unix adoption more than Windows

  Learn how server virtualization will benefit Linux and Unix operating system adoption but harm Windows Server adoption by relieving the one-operating-system-to-one-server modus operandi.Continue Reading

• Hardware for virtualization: How to get more from servers, HBAs and more

  Maximize the productivity of virtualization hardware with these tips on servers, network cards, host-bus adaptors and more. Rick Vanover shows how to add more power for less money while still achieving your goal of a successful virtualization ...Continue Reading

• Managing full virtual and paravirtual hardware drivers in a Xen environment

  Sander van Vugt explains the differences between hardware drivers in full virtual and paravirtual environments.Continue Reading

• PC blades, virtual clients and zero clients

  Barb Goldworm discusses why blade server technology is making a come back in the data center, and talks about virtual and zero clients.Continue Reading

• Dual-core quad-processor systems, or quad-core dual-processor systems?

  We are looking at hardware for our new ESX farm and are wondering if we should go dual-core quad-processor systems, or quad-core dual-processor systems. Essentially we will have the same number of cores in either case, but the dual-processor servers...Continue Reading

• Server technologies and virtualization: Blades, racks, Intel and AMD

  An in-depth commentary on virtualization server technologies and trends in processors and servers, blades versus racks and Intel versus AMD.Continue Reading

• Free VMware versus pricey VMware ESX Server

  Just like in school, not doing your virtualization homework affects your performance. It's vital to make a wise platform choice, otherwise your ROI could fall short of expectations. In this series, virtualization pro Alessandro Perilli breaks down...Continue Reading

• The Blue Pill virtualization attack: Virtual machine malware

  Much ado was made of the demonstration of the Blue Pill attack on Windows Vista at Black Hat this year. Security expert Kevin Beaver analyzes the exploit. Find out how the attack worked and whether you should care about it.Continue Reading

• Towers, racks and blades -- Server packaging options

  When should you use a tower server, a rack server or a blade server? This excerpt from our e-book, "Windows Servers and Storage," analyzes these three types of server packaging.Continue Reading

• What are multi-core processors?

  Wondering what multi-core processors actually are? Bernard Golden shares his knowledge on the subject in this expert response.Continue Reading