Need help with software bundle on Simple Business Case

[NicolasLiebel]

So many product, I`m loosing it now and also I'm a bit new in this networking stuff.

I need to acheive the following and would like to have clear answer if possible. I`m currently looking for redundency for my customer web sites with no downtime and realtime data.

I have 1 server with multiple VM (web server, SQL server,mail server) and NAS. This physical machine is in Country 1. The DNS is NS1 and NS2 with IP addresses from my optic fibre supplier in Country 1

I would like to have the exact same setup in Country 2, except that the IP addresses will be different since the optic fibre supplier is diferent.

If disc on server Country 1 fail I got a raid. So far so good. Same in Country 2.

The problem is if my optic fibre Country 1 goes down I want to go the country 2.

Questions are:

1) How to set up the DNS NS1 and NS2. I may also have 2 different DNS (One DNS for Country 1 and One DNS for Country 3)

2) How to make sure that all data (web site files, SQL databases, and mails) are totally redundant and real time between country 1 and country 2

Of course low (Small business organisation) budget. What sotfware/edition should I look for?

Thank you.

[Texiwill]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum.

1) How to set up the DNS NS1 and NS2. I may also have 2 different DNS (One DNS for Country 1 and One DNS for Country 3)

You need to use a DNS service that spans both countries and can failover as necessary. There are several that do this. If you want to implement this for yourself you will need DNS servers in all countries. This is not really a virtualization question per say.

2) How to make sure that all data (web site files, SQL databases, and mails) are totally redundant and real time between country 1 and country 2

If you are using Windows then use something like DoubleTake running within the GUest OS. If Linux there are similar options.

Of course low (Small business organisation) budget. What sotfware/edition should I look for?

That would be an issue. You will have ESX clusters in each country of at least 2 hosts. So you should have VMware ESX + HA and maybe DRS to handle contention amoungst the hosts as necessary.

Personally if you are looking to buy now, go for Standard and not Foundation... But foundation will also work. Management will be harder as you can not centralize management to one vCenter server.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, DABCC Analyst
====
Now Available on Rough-Cuts: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
SearchVMware Pro|Blue Gears|Top Virtualization Security Links|Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast

[NicolasLiebel]

Thanks,

Would this be a safe bet:

vSphere Essentials Plus provides an all-in-one solution for small offices to virtualize three physical servers to reduce hardware costs while ensuring superior application availability and data protection.

vSphere Essentials Plus includes:

• VMware ESXi and VMware ESX (deployment-time choice)

• VMware vStorage VMFS

• Four-way Virtual SMP

• VMware vCenter Server Agent

• VMware vStorage APIs / VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB)

• VMware vCenter Update Manager

• VMware HA

• VMware Data Recovery

• VMware vCenter Server for Essentials

vSphere Essentials Plus is available for USD$2,995. Support and Subscription (SnS) is sold separately. A minimum of one year of SnS is required.

[Texiwill]

Hello,

Perhaps. Essentials is the replacement for Foundation and the number of hosts vCenter Essentials can manage is limited. I would find out if it fits within your environment. I would want to be able to manage all clusters from a single pane of glass.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, DABCC Analyst
====
Now Available on Rough-Cuts: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
SearchVMware Pro|Blue Gears|Top Virtualization Security Links|Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast

[NicolasLiebel]

So your saying that I should have 2 physycals machine in each country (1 production and 1 cluster). Correct?

Therefor, with essential I'll miss one host (physical machine).

[Texiwill]

Hello,

You will want Local disaster/business continuity with VMware HA which requires 2 hosts in the cluster to make work. Then you can have regional DNS based load balancing for the other countries. This gives the best of all worlds. Regional load balancing and localized business continuity.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, DABCC Analyst
====
Now Available on Rough-Cuts: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
SearchVMware Pro|Blue Gears|Top Virtualization Security Links|Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast

[NicolasLiebel]

Based on your last comment which solution (softwares) would better fit my needs?

Thank you again for all your help.

[Texiwill]

Hello,

I still think Standard w/HA is your best option, no limitations in the # of hosts so if you add more you are fine.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, DABCC Analyst
====
Now Available on Rough-Cuts: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
SearchVMware Pro|Blue Gears|Top Virtualization Security Links|Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast

[NicolasLiebel]

Price wise we are talking about something like

vSphere Standard 795$ per Host

vShere Standar Sns 273$ regardless the number of host

vCenter Server Standard 4999$

vCenter Sertver Sns 1049$

Is that correct?

Also can I change and add Data Recovery, vMotion (live migration) later on?

[Texiwill]

vSphere Standard 795$ per Host

vShere Standar Sns 273$ regardless the number of host

vCenter Server Standard 4999$

vCenter Sertver Sns 1049$

Is that correct?

I think so.

Also can I change and add Data Recovery, vMotion (live migration) later on?

You may have to upgrade to Advanced for that, ala Carte items I am not sure are available anymore.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009, DABCC Analyst
====
Now Available on Rough-Cuts: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment'
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'
SearchVMware Pro|Blue Gears|Top Virtualization Security Links|Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast