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Fuzzy Logic Recession proof Microsoft with Hyper-V based virtualisation
Fuzzy Logic Recession proof Microsoft with Hyper-V based virtualisation | Recession proof Microsoft with Hyper-V based virtualisation |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Monday, 24 November 2008 | |
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Page 2 of 3 In a virtualised environment, one server does pretty much nothing but run a virtual server product. That virtual server then manages a collection of virtual computers. Each one can have its own operating system. Each one can have its own collection of applications. They will not interfere with each other and will all act just as if they were still running on real hardware.Featured Whitepaper
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The hardware count has been decreased and in turn the environmental factors mentioned earlier. Yet, as far as the software is concerned all is still exactly as it was before. There are no problems with software cohabiting and no loss of support for the legacy app. On the one hand, you could argue a new problem has arisen. Admittedly, you have reduced your servers from two to one but you now have three systems to care for: the two original servers, in the virtual form, plus the new underlying operating system – the one which is legitimately running on the bare hardware and driving the virtualisation platform. Haven’t we just eaten up our cost reductions by requiring a new Windows Server license (because, of course, the two virtual servers still do genuinely consume a license each.) The answer is that your host operating system does not have to cost you a penny. Even if you have not yet chosen as Windows Server 2008 as your primary platform, it’s still out there and is offering you its many benefits. In this case, not least of those benefits is the fact it has plenty of licensing fees which will make Microsoft very happy! It’s how capitalism and the economy works. A Linux host will not attract any expense for the software itself or any and all updates that arise over time – and this is bad, bad news for commercial software vendors. And whether you use Windows or Linux, both VirtualBox and VMWare Server are available for free, and both are proven, quality products. Naturally, Hyper-V comes with Windows Server 2008 in the box. No matter which of these products you might choose, you will find the process exactly the same, especially if you are well used to using Windows. Firstly, use a bundled tool to take a snapshot of your live servers, converting the hard drives of each into virtual hard drives. Next, create new virtual machines within your chosen product and attach the virtual hard drives to them. Fire up each one, and check them out from the product’s console to make sure the login screens come up as you expect, that you can log in, that you have network connectivity, that your software runs as it should. Power down the original servers and leave them untouched until you are certain all systems are go. Perhaps begin with one server initially and then add more to the mix. Here are some of David’s tips and lessons to make Linux- - or Windows - systems work well. CONTINUED |
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