Tips

Tips

• Strike a balance when working with IT interns

  An intern can be a valuable asset to an IT shop, especially one that's low on resources, so don't waste her time or talents on trivial tasks.  Continue Reading

• Does the virtual storage area network still meet organizational needs?

  Before the virtual storage area network, there were Fibre Channel storage area networks and iSCSI. And, now it seems that an object storage system will better fit the bill.  Continue Reading

• Abandoning the narrative of containers vs. hypervisors

  Containers and hypervisors have long been pitted against one another, but developers are changing the narrative, finding a way to merge the capabilities of these two technologies.  Continue Reading

• IT cost reduction strategies for your virtual environment

  When developing IT cost reduction strategies, you need to figure out how you can take full advantage of your virtual environment, while still minimizing potential risks.  Continue Reading

• Use resource control to address costly storage issues

  With resource control, you'll not only be able to overcome storage resource challenges, but you'll be able to effectively support an expanding infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Effectively balance VM performance with VM density and cost

  To improve VM performance, use current generation VMs. Also, don't skimp on hardware, but avoid hardware emulation, configurations that increase overhead and resource contention.  Continue Reading

• Use and understand a Hyper-V failover cluster with these tips

  To build single or multisite Hyper-V failover clusters, you need to meet the proper requirements, choose appropriate hardware, and understand the inner workings of the cluster.  Continue Reading

• Develop and implement a strong virtual data center migration plan

  Moving a virtual data center from one physical location to another is a big undertaking, and without a well-thought-out data center migration plan, you are sure to run into issues.  Continue Reading

• Memory overcommitment causes hesitation over dynamic memory

  Some administrators advocate for the use of dynamic memory, while others vehemently oppose it, and there are compelling arguments both for and against. So, which side is right?  Continue Reading

• Get a leg up in the information technology industry with these tips

  The information technology industry is an innovative and exciting place, but also highly competitive. Learn what it takes to become a gainfully employed IT expert with these tips.  Continue Reading

• Learn the many benefits of SDN for clouds and clusters

  The benefits of SDN include flexibility, control, reduced costs and increased performance. As it's becoming more widely used, you should familiarize yourself with its processes.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 licensing will spur change from users, chip makers

  Microsoft's Windows Server 2016 licensing will move from a per-CPU model to a per-core model, a costly change for customers with more than eight cores per CPU.  Continue Reading

• Simplify your OpenStack installation with open source tools

  Struggling to install OpenStack? While there are no quick fixes, there are a number of open source tools on the market that can help reduce the complexity of installation.  Continue Reading

• Solve extreme storage and configuration problems within a storage infrastructure

  Configuration problems and extreme storage demands can take a serious toll on your storage infrastructure. Fortunately, with the right tools, these issues are easy to remedy.  Continue Reading

• Identify and overcome issues in your storage subsystem

  Issues in your storage subsystem can create bottlenecks that drastically effect storage performance. Identify these issues early on by running benchmarks and analyzing your results.  Continue Reading

• Reduce the cost of virtualization with open source Proxmox

  Thanks to its open source availability and full-featured graphical interface, Proxmox makes for an excellent alternative to more expensive virtualization platforms.  Continue Reading

• Understand how to allocate storage IOPS with QoS Management

  By tracking VM metrics and displaying the current storage IOPS data, you will be better equipped to use QoS Management to limit consumption or reserve storage as needed.  Continue Reading

• Implement a virtual DR plan to protect your infrastructure

  By understanding the evolution of and advantages involved with DR technologies, you will be better equipped to develop a strong, cost-effective virtual DR plan.  Continue Reading

• Respond to your first hypervisor host crash

  Though the benefits of virtualization outweigh the risks, a host server crash is extremely visible and causes concern with management. Be prepared to respond with efficiency.  Continue Reading

• Master clustered storage with Storage Spaces and Scale-Out File Server

  As part of its effort to develop a robust cloud OS, Microsoft has released a slew of new features in Windows Server 2012, including Storage Spaces and Scale-Out File Server.  Continue Reading

• Set VM failover priority levels with SCVMM

  Prioritizing VMs with the System Center Virtual Machine Manager is the best method for controlling a failover situation and determining how VMs are migrated between nodes.  Continue Reading

• Charting the rise of container-based virtualization

  A recent Docker survey indicates that containers are growing increasingly popular, in large part due to new security tools such as Docker Security Scanning.  Continue Reading

• Availability sets and other tools for ensuring high availability

  Microsoft's System Center Virtual Machine Manager offers a variety of options, including VM prioritization and host restrictions, for creating highly available VMs.  Continue Reading

• Are software-defined data centers the next frontier of virtualization?

  The hype surrounding software-defined data centers has reached a fever pitch, elevating businesses' expectations and raising new concerns.  Continue Reading

• An open letter to entry-level IT employees

  The world of IT can be unforgiving, especially for those just starting out. The keys to finding and maintaining success are humility, patience and an open mind.  Continue Reading

• Admins with their eyes on the prize seek OpenStack certification

  As OpenStack gains ground on Microsoft and VMware, many are looking to capitalize on this growth by pursuing either generic or vendor-specific OpenStack certification.  Continue Reading

• Cut software licensing costs with fewer, faster cores

  As software vendors adapt licensing terms to a per-core model, administrators should reassess how they purchase hardware in order to save money.  Continue Reading

• Security concerns delay public cloud adoption

  The TechTarget New PI/Cloud Infrastructure Survey sheds light on common public cloud concerns that have held businesses back from widespread adoption.  Continue Reading

• Elevate your hardware design with the Open Compute Project

  The Open Compute Project is an invaluable design resource engineered by some of IT's leading cloud providers and can be an essential cost-saving tool, provided you use it wisely.  Continue Reading

• Programming and the evolving role of the virtualization administrator

  As programming rapidly replaces scripting in major organizations, administrators must dedicate themselves to learning to code in order to stay competitive in the job market.  Continue Reading

• Guest clustering achieves high availability at the VM level

  Guest clustering is the go-to way to implement high availability in cluster-aware applications. Learn more about guest clusters and the requirements for creating them in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Changes to software licensing models may put buyers at risk

  With the advent of virtualization, major software vendors are moving away from the per CPU licensing model toward the core licensing or per user model.  Continue Reading

• Don't waste valuable data center resources on overprovisioning

  From monitoring CPU usage to right-sizing VM allocation, there are a number of precautions administrators can take to prevent overprovisioning.  Continue Reading

• Five quick tips for foolproof Hyper-V performance tuning

  Master Microsoft's virtualization and hypervisor platform with these five tips to Hyper-V performance tuning.  Continue Reading

• Manage a growing data center with profiles and VM templates

  System Center Virtual Machine Manager offers a number of tools to help preserve consistency and ease VM deployment.  Continue Reading

• Blur hypervisor lines with compatible VM file formats

  Compatibility is the name of the game when it comes to choosing the right virtual disk file for a multi-hypervisor VM.  Continue Reading

• Software licensing models evolving for virtualization

  Virtualization and the rise of multi-core CPUs have led software vendors to rethink licensing models. While some are forced to adjust, others continue to resist.  Continue Reading

• Wrangling your Hyper-V nodes into an SCVMM cluster

  Thanks to its straightforward approach to clustering, SCVMM is the obvious choice for deploying Hyper-V clusters, but there are a few requirements you'll need to meet before you can get started.  Continue Reading

• Customize vCenter roles and SCVMM permissions

  Managing a virtual data center can be a daunting task, but bringing in additional assistance by temporarily granting administrative privileges to IT staff can help relieve the stress.  Continue Reading

• A straightforward approach to Linux virtual clustering

  Virtual clustering has a reputation for being a difficult and extensive process, but it doesn't necessarily have to be. By starting small, you can greatly reduce virtual cluster complexity.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right path toward becoming an IT expert

  Interested in becoming an IT pro? The road to expert-level status can be long and fraught, but with the proper training and dedication, success is within reach.  Continue Reading

• How the virtualization system administrator job is changing

  Getting into the IT field can be challenging, but candidates with diverse technical interests and a desire to learn can succeed.  Continue Reading

• Scripting the future: How to create an OpenStack VM with APIs

  OpenStack supports a variety of application programming interface options for writing scripts. Learn how to create VMs through scripting with this guide to using the Python OpenStack API.  Continue Reading

• Automation challenges have companies hesitating

  It seems like IT automation is becoming de rigueur in data centers everywhere, but certain automation challenges such as a steep learning curve mean it isn't right for every enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Avoid network traffic jams with Hyper-V Port Mirroring

  Worried about network performance in your multilayered virtual networking architecture? Microsoft is making network traffic monitoring easier with Hyper-V Port Mirroring.  Continue Reading

• Why you need VM monitoring tools

  Smaller environments may be able to make do with native hypervisor features, but for true scalability, you'll need dedicated virtualization management tools.  Continue Reading

• Setting the local server SSD record straight

  Compared to traditional HDDs, SSDs are more affordable and offer high speed performance and greater storage capability. Could they be the future of server cluster virtualization?  Continue Reading

• Charting a course for the hyper-converged market

  From the basic principles of hyper-convergence to the competitive nature of the hyper-converged market, get started on your path to hyper-converged enlightenment with these five tips.  Continue Reading

• Set a VM service window when it's time for a tuneup

  Finding the right time for VM maintenance has always been tough, but SCVMM servicing windows can help get everyone on the same page.  Continue Reading

• Storage overcommitment cuts waste, but don't over promise

  Thin provisioning is a commonly used feature to stretch storage resources, but it's also commonly abused.  Continue Reading

• Strategies to balance memory overcommitment and mitigate risk

  Memory management techniques that allow VMs to share resources are common, but you should follow these tips and strategies to reduce risk.  Continue Reading

• Production checkpoints enhance Hyper-V backup technology

  The latest release of Windows Server introduces a new, yet unique approach to Hyper-V check pointing, allowing administrators to run checkpoints in a production environment.  Continue Reading

• Watch CPU Ready metrics to regulate VM overcommit levels

  Administrators can get more out of their servers by overcommitting CPU resources and balancing VM distribution.  Continue Reading

• A smart organization's guide to VM sprawl management

  VM sprawl plagues the virtualized environments of many organizations. The key to overcoming it is incorporating automation and orchestration in your sprawl management plan.  Continue Reading

• An exploration of the different types of cloud computing

  From provisioning to monitoring resources, automation plays an essential role in the functions of all three types of cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• Linux container security is on the evolutionary fast track

  Although containers still have their drawbacks, the Linux container security benefits far outweigh the risks and their rapid evolution promises hope for the future of server virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Adding an additional virtual bridge to a KVM environment

  Virtualization expert Sander Van Vugt offers tips to simplify the process of adding a second software bridge to your KVM environment to run VMs in an isolated SDN.  Continue Reading

• Get right on target with the Microsoft iSCSI Target Server

  Microsoft eliminates the need for expensive storage devices such as SAN with new storage formats, including an offering for SCVMM.  Continue Reading

• NVDIMM and RDMA offer significant virtualization advantages

  Due to their effect on virtualized clusters, virtual SANs and overall database performance, new in-memory technologies like DRAM and RDMA networks are becoming more widely adopted.  Continue Reading

• VM sizing should be multiple choice, not open response

  One of the best tricks to ending VM overprovisioning problems is to give application owners a choice -- but only the choices you've preapproved.  Continue Reading

• Create a basic KVM cloud with a little help from Linux

  In-house KVM cloud delivers a safe environment for quickly provisioning virtual machines that is similar to cloud environments at a fraction of the cost.  Continue Reading

• Step-by-step guide to acing your OpenStack installation

  OpenStack's installation online instructions and step-by-step wizard, while helpful, leave much to be desired. Fill in the gaps with this guide to installing OpenStack on Ubuntu.  Continue Reading

• Building a foundation with software-defined architecture

  Like any good orchestra, all of the elements of your data center must work in harmony. Get your infrastructure back in tune by creating the ideal software-defined data center.  Continue Reading

• Comparing different hyper-converged platforms

  As hyper-converged infrastructure continues to gain momentum, vendors have raced to build their own platforms, sometimes at the cost of quality.  Continue Reading

• DHCP Guard and advanced Hyper-V network security features

  While not right for every situation, some advanced security features can add a layer of defense to prevent malicious intrusions and protect a virtualized environment.  Continue Reading

• Testing 1, 2, 3: Tips for the perfect virtualization lab

  Virtual labs are an asset to IT pros looking to avoid software-related issues in their production environment. In these tips, we take a closer look at what makes a good lab environment.  Continue Reading

• Get your head in the cloud: Intro to OpenStack components

  As the leading open source private cloud platform on the market, OpenStack is a viable alternative to licensed cloud computing software. But what sets it apart from its competitors?  Continue Reading

• When should a VM have a static MAC address?

  In most cases, administrators don't have to worry about a VM's MAC addresses, but sometimes setting a static address is the only way to avoid conflicts.  Continue Reading

• Automation nation: Choosing the right IT automation tools

  Automating multiple systems doesn't have to be a complicated task; with the right tools and a little help from the community, you, too, can embark on an automation journey.  Continue Reading

• Flash storage performance gives your SAN a boost

  All-flash arrays have quickly become an IT success story thanks to their ability to extend the life and flash storage performance of a storage area network with minimal cost impact.  Continue Reading

• A master class in CLIs and ESXi commands

  While the vSphere Web Client is useful for managing VMs, it isn't always the most reliable. In this collection of tips we explore how and why you should use CLIs and ESXi commands.  Continue Reading

• Breaking down VM compatibility and virtualization file formats

  When it comes to VM compatibility across multiple hypervisor environments, having a working knowledge of virtualization file and disk formats is essential.  Continue Reading

• How to enable RemoteFX and Hyper-V GPU offloading

  Microsoft's RemoteFX feature can help improve the performance of VMs running graphics-intensive workloads.  Continue Reading

• Demystifying application and SQL Server profile configuration

  Application and SQL Server profiles are essential to using System Center Virtual Machine Manager to deploy virtual machines, but creating them requires a little extra effort.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V virtual switch extensions increase switch functionality

  Hyper-V virtual switch extensions enable businesses to increase virtual switch intelligence without requiring structural changes to pre-existing topology.  Continue Reading

• Why should Hyper-V users care about nested virtualization?

  At first glance, nested virtualization doesn't seem to have much to offer to production environments -- so what is it good for?  Continue Reading

• Essential policies for configuring VMs in a lab environment

  Lab VMs can be an effective tool for testing out software in a safe environment. However, if configured incorrectly, lab VMs can pose serious risks to production environments.  Continue Reading

• The relationship between VM clustering and high availability

  Server failure can cause devastating setbacks and cost businesses untold amounts each year. Avoid the dangers of disaster recovery with VM clusters and high availability.  Continue Reading

• Xen Meditation: Installing Xen hypervisor on Ubuntu

  One of the advantages to using the Xen hypervisor is its adaptability to a number of different OSes. In this helpful guide, Walker Rowe takes us through the installation process on Ubuntu.  Continue Reading

• Learning to love the Xen hypervisor

  In recent years, the Xen hypervisor has become popular with major companies such as Amazon and Rackspace. So what's behind all this new interest from cloud providers?  Continue Reading

• Virtualize workloads with virtual SAN and virtual Fibre Channel

  Every administrator knows that storage is the key to any successful virtual data center. The real question is what options should IT departments consider when looking for storage hardware?  Continue Reading

• Today's white box server brings features at a bargain price

  With white box servers, new vendors are challenging traditional models all while providing administrative staff with a more economic strategy for data center virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Creating a plan for VM sprawl management

  In this continuation of our series on VM sprawl control, Brian Kirsch offers two methods for removing resources without eliminating important data from your server.  Continue Reading

• How to find problem VMs and solve virtualization sprawl

  With the advent of virtual infrastructure and "free" VMs, administrators are seeing a rise in VM sprawl, making environments difficult to manage. In order to combat this issue, you must first locate any and all problem VMs.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Windows Server and Hyper-V licensing models

  As Microsoft prepares to make major changes to the licensing models for Windows Server 2016 and Hyper-V, it's essential to understand the fundamentals of licensing in virtual environments.  Continue Reading

• Build a free Hyper-V Server failover cluster

  While it can complicate Windows Server licensing, the free Hyper-V Server allows users to build fault-tolerant environments and failover clusters.  Continue Reading

• Are top-tier, vendor-specific certifications worth the effort?

  Different levels of certification come with unique challenges; consider this advice when deciding whether higher level certification is the right choice for you.  Continue Reading

• Tips for generating the perfect VM image

  Image-based VM deployments can dramatically increase consistency when creating new VMs. Use these tips to configure the perfect VM on the first try.  Continue Reading

• Choosing storage back end for open source virtualization environments

  When setting up open source virtualization environments, users should consider the benefits of both VM files and physical devices for optimal storage back end.  Continue Reading

• Identify potential cloud security breaches

  With the increasing popularity of the cloud over traditional data centers, it's important to be aware of some of the potential risks of cloud computing.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V PowerShell and ForEach loops save time, boost power

  Not all cmdlets are made alike: Here's a how-to guide to reduce administrative overhead and get the most of out of Hyper-V with PowerShell and ForEach loops.  Continue Reading

• Picking the right VM live migration settings

  Selecting the best VM migration settings is about balancing performance with bandwidth needs.  Continue Reading

• Virtualization can ease Windows Server upgrade challenges

  Upgrading an OS or application can be a complex and time-consuming process, but cloning and snapshots can make the process easier.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V Automatic Start Action gets your VMs running

  Hyper-V gives administrators several options for automating the startup and shutdown of VMs on a host.  Continue Reading

• Hypervisor updates and containers give ARM processors a leg up

  It's still too early to tell if ARM processors are the way of the future, but recent developments bode well for the architecture.  Continue Reading

• Why VMware's NSX software will become a data center requirement

  Product integrations and a more granular approach to security may soon make VMware NSX a required piece of a business's infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Change boot settings from a VM BIOS

  Often overlooked, a VM's BIOS is more limited than a physical machine's BIOS, but will allow you to adjust boot settings.  Continue Reading

• Get started with systemd Linux containers in five minutes

  If you've heard the Docker buzz and are curious to give containers a try, Linux systemd containers are a quick and easy way to get your feet wet.  Continue Reading

• Licensing implications of a free Hyper-V installation

  Microsoft Hyper-V is free, but there are also very good reasons to purchase Windows Server with Hyper-V rather than install the standalone hypervisor.  Continue Reading

• When to choose VMware vCenter appliance vs. a Windows install

  There are distinct advantages and limitations administrators should consider when deciding whether to use the virtual appliance version of vCenter.  Continue Reading