VMware

This Question is Not Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (6 pts)
2 Replies Last post: Jun 18, 2009 12:15 PM by Mike_MT  

advice on virtualizing student server posted: Jun 18, 2009 8:48 AM

Click to view Mike_MT's profile Novice
Mike_MT
8 posts since
Jul 21, 2005

Hey All,

I want to virtualize my student file server, but need some advice. Currently, the system is a hardware win2k3 server attached to a FC SAN with a 2TB SAN volume that holds all our student home directories.

I have ESX 3.5 servers already, and they are attached to the same FC SAN.

My biggest question is: what's the best way to use my SAN for my 2TB volume? Should it be a RDM? Should it just be a 2TB vmfs file?

I will need to be able to vmotion the server in case of hardware failure, so that should also be a consideration. Snapshots would be nice, but not a necessity as we already backup files using our backup software...the backup window is shrinking though...

Thanks for any help!

Mike


Re: advice on virtualizing student server

1. Jun 18, 2009 9:30 AM in response to: Mike_MT
Click to view weinstein5's profile Guru
weinstein5
6,346 posts since
Nov 19, 2005
If it is truly a 2 TB SAN LUN than I would leave it and use an RDM - if it is larger than 2 TB you will need to split it up into two VMDK files -

Also something else to point out is vmotion can not be used when there is a hardware failure - vmotion requires functioning ESX servers on both sides - you use vmotion so you can balance the load across hosts or move VMs so you can perform maintenance on the one ESX server - it VMware HA that will restart VMs on another ESX server in case of hardware failure -


If you find this or any other answer useful please consider awarding points by marking the answer correct or helpful

Re: advice on virtualizing student server

2. Jun 18, 2009 12:15 PM in response to: weinstein5
Click to view Mike_MT's profile Novice
Mike_MT
8 posts since
Jul 21, 2005

Thanks for the reply. So, it would be easiest to just do an in-place p2v...would there be any issues with the FC cards? They are the same model on both the current physical server and the target esx server. I might have to do some port mapping on the SAN, but otherwise I can't see any issue with the process.

Do you have any recommendations on virtual vs physical compatibily mode?

Actions

VMware Developer

SDKs, APIs, Videos, Learn and much more in the Developer community.

Learn More

Developer Sample Code

Increase your developer productivity with VMware API sample code.

Learn More

VMworld Sessions & Labs

Online access to the latest VMworld Sessions & Labs and online services.

Learn more

Purchase PSO Credits Online

Purchase credits to redeem training and consulting services online.

Buy Now

Community Hardware Software

View reported configurations or report your own.

Learn More

VMware vSphere

Come witness the next giant leap in virtualization.

Register Today

Communities