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leedavila
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Where do we start?

The non-profit I work for has recently taken on a project to include VMware Server capabilities. We have 2 DELL R810s running a DELL PS4000 SAN. The SAN has been set up and is ready for VMware installs, but frankly, we're not sure where to start. We have a Datastore ready and a vision of how we'll lay out the VMs, applications and database, but we need guidance, if even conceptual in scope. Where would you suggest we look/read/watch?

Thanks in advance!

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sysxperts
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All the information you would want can be found at http://www.kendrickcoleman.com/index.php?/Tech-Blog/vcap-datacenter-administration-exam-landing-page...

Paul Valentino - VCP, EMCCA - @sysxperts @vcommunitytrust - Help the vCommunity one certification at a time! http://www.vcommunitytrust.org/ http://igg.me/p/212476?a=1091980

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sysxperts
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All the information you would want can be found at http://www.kendrickcoleman.com/index.php?/Tech-Blog/vcap-datacenter-administration-exam-landing-page...

Paul Valentino - VCP, EMCCA - @sysxperts @vcommunitytrust - Help the vCommunity one certification at a time! http://www.vcommunitytrust.org/ http://igg.me/p/212476?a=1091980
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IamTHEvilONE
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Given your hardware, I would consider ESXi 4.1 ... the hardware seems supported & will give you better overall performance.

http://www.rtfm-ed.co.uk/vmware-content/vsphere-videosdemos/

You can follow the installation and VM creation guide. Forget vCenter videos if you don't have that license.



Regards,

Jonathan

B.Sc., RHCT, VMware vExpert 2009

NOTE: If your problem or questions has been resolved, please mark this thread as answered and award points accordingly.

joshuatownsend
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I agree that ESXi is the right way to go - more powerful, flexible, and capable of growing into more as your environment grows/changes.

VMware offers a quick and easy way to get started with your setup called GO. You can find it at https://go.vmware.com/Default.aspx

From the site.....

VMware Go is a free web-based service that guides users through the installation and configuration of VMware vSphere Hypervisor. This service lets users virtualize their servers with just a few mouse clicks, providing an easy on-ramp for companies new to virtualization.

VMware Go Dramatically Simplifies and Accelerates Virtualization Into Three Simple Steps

1. Initial vSphere Hypervisor setup

* Unique web-browser interface and intuitive wizard guides and accelerates installation and setup process for vSphere Hypervisor

* Built in hardware compatibility check automates the process of selecting physical server environments

2. Virtual machine creation

* Leverage existing physical server configuration, install a prebuilt virtual appliance, or start with a new clean virtual machine.

3. Manage VMware vSphere Hypervisor hosts and virtual machines

* Centralized management interface simplifies changes to a virtual environment.

* Monitor virtual machines for basic performance and resource utilization.

* Scan and update virtual machines from a central console.

"

You might also check out the VMware vSphere Essentials kit - for $495 you get ESXi licensed/supported, plus a vCenter management console and some basic functionality to provide a central management platform.

I always recommend Scott Lowe's Master VMware vSphere 4 book - http://astore.amazon.com/vm09-20/detail/0470481382 - a good read that covers all the basics plus plenty of in-depth info.

I'm happy to help if you have any other questions!






If you found this or other information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful".

Please visit http://vmtoday.com for News, Views and Virtualization How-To's

Follow me on Twitter - @joshuatownsend

If you found this or other information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful". Please visit http://vmtoday.com for News, Views and Virtualization How-To's Follow me on Twitter - @joshuatownsend
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leedavila
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Thanks guys! I'll dig into these resources and let you know how we come out.

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