A practical example of Virtualization with VMWare

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In previous articles we explained the core concepts of virtualization for readers to understand. We also explain a particular product virtualization: VMWare , versions, licensing and features. In this article we explain a practical example of using virtualization, hopefully that is clear and concise. If you have questions write to me, I will answer gladly.

Suppose the company Bibirras SL, which is dedicated to the retailing of beer in Spain, has an area of ​​systems with the following scheme:

The company has 4 servers:

- 1 server for managing MS Dynamics Navision ERP version 5.0, where users manage information

- 1 server to domain controller and file server

- A mail server with MS Exchange

- 1 server to do backups

Bibirras SL The company realizes that this structure is becoming obsolete and decided to propose a new technological scenario. Area is required to support a systems company growth over the next 3 years is gathering delegations throughout Spain, to support improved information management, to improve the performance of user access, access accept and remote data management, ...

The company Bibirras SL TUQUIOSCO contacts and this offers a solution: virtualization with consolidation and availability with VMWare.

Why Virtualization?

As explained in other articles virtualization technology is booming, with great potential, yet well established products in the market as VMWare. Virtualization allows us to obtain a number of important advantages:

- Optimization of servers and

- Reduced costs of physical infrastructure (space, power, ...)

- Operational Flexibility

- Ability to respond before problems

- Improved security processes and backups

- Improved TCO and ROI

- Drastic reduction in downtime (migrations, upgrades, testing, ...)

- Dynamic balancing of resources (virtual machines)

- Agility growth  

Why consolidation?

By consolidating intend to purchase 2 new physical servers to accommodate the 4 earlier servers using VMWare virtual form as a result of virtualization. With this solution we get:

- Improving disaster response before: through the VMWware snapshots can restore virtual machines quickly and safely.

- Reduced infrastructure costs: space and power.

- Agility of growth: the only limitation we have is physical server hardware and VMware licensing. If we want more virtual servers to expand the physical server hardware, or purchase a third server and VMWware licenses. This would be the most adequate to support a new virtual server with Terminal Server to access and manage data remotely.

Availability Why?

Availability is an important concept in the whole area of ​​systems infrastructure. We must limit the availability to the maximum possible errors in the systems area, to enable business continuity in the company. In any infrastructure project must meet the following equation:

SECURITY = Identity + Integrity + AVAILABILITY

In this solution only attacks the AVAILABILITY leaving aside all the concepts involved in data integrity and identity of people accessing this data. To solve this equation would have to propose for remote access secure, for example, a VPN for each delegation or client with SSL security. In another article will explain two important concepts of identity and security as S2S (Site to Site) and C2S (Client to Site).

Why the company decided to go Bibirras SL has a good availability through redundant physical devices. 2 physical servers are chosen in case one of them falls the other can work perfectly (it is recommended that each physical server does not work over 50% of its capacity to support availability), VMware can manage balancing work automatically . Are chosen to double the number of connecting elements (routers and switches) in case one fails not to leave the area of ​​systems with no connection to the users. Even should double the access to the Internet to ensure continuous service, by for example two ADSL lines with several different companies.

Consolidation and availability solution

We added to the solution a storage bin where it will manage centrally all the information. In this way virtual machines do not contain data, they have access to the cabin to get the information. This solution ensures data availability and greater protection policies backups.

The final scheme has TUQUIOSCO (without showing the connection elements to meet the availability duplicate) to the company Bibirras SL is as follows:

What can this solution cost?

The solution proposed by TUQUIOSCO consolidation and availability in the area of ​​systems can cost approximately:

- Hardware: Servers + car = € 11,000 approximately

- Software: Licensing Vmware = 3,500 € approximately  

- Services: configuration costs approximately € 4,000 =  

- Approximate Total = € 17,500   

** Note: This solution includes HP servers with 4GB 150GB SAS disks, 3-year warranty service response to 4 hours, iSCSI storage array with 2 500GB SATA hard disks and a 3 year warranty with 4 response hours, a connecting element (48-port Ethernet Switch 10/100/1000), 1 license of VMware vSphere 4.0 Essen Plus Support 3 years 9 × 5.

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