Servers are like snowmen - and virtualization is cool!
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This document discusses server virtualization and its benefits. It provides an example of how a nonprofit organization called NCFR virtualized their servers, reducing their physical servers from four to two. Some key benefits of virtualization discussed are increased efficiency through better utilization of computing resources, reliability through redundancy if physical hardware fails, and reduced vulnerability by avoiding complete server rebuilds if crashes occur. The document also discusses potential future virtualization of applications, desktops, mobile devices, and infrastructure in the cloud.
Servers are like snowmen - and virtualization is cool!
- 1. VirtualizationRoger Hagedorn, DARTS IT DirectorDave Pederson, PPL Systems Support ManagerJason Samuels, NCFR IT ManagerMinnesota Council on Nonprofits :: Technology and Communications Conference :: February 23, 2011
- 2. Servers are like snowmen2and virtualization is cool!
- 3. Servers are like snowmenThe base is the hardware 3
- 4. Servers are like snowmenThe base is the hardwareThe tummy is the operating system4
- 5. Servers are like snowmenThe base is the hardwareThe tummy is the operating systemThe head runs applications5
- 6. Servers are like snowmenPut it all together and you have a snowman .. er, server to do your bidding6
- 7. Challenges7
- 8. InefficiencyServer applications can conflict with other server applications. They need dedicated operating systems to function properly.8
- 9. Inefficiency9Servers have become more powerful than applications need. Over 90% of computing power could go unused.
- 10. Inefficiency10The result can be “server sprawl”Energy inefficientNot cost effective
- 11. Vulnerability11When equipment fails, the OS and applications need to be rebuilt.X
- 12. Vulnerability12Restoring a crashed server is stressful and costly.
- 14. The virtualization layer14Virtualization works at the base level, it pools resources and emulates hardware
- 15. Emulation15emulate = mimicThe virtual layer serves emulated hardware from a resource pool, that operating systems interact with as if it’s actual hardware
- 16. Efficiency16So your snowpile can form more virtual servers than there are physical hosts
- 17. Efficiency17Computing resources are allocated based on each virtual server’s need
- 18. Reliability18If a physical host fails, redundancy inside the virtualization layer picks up the slackVirtual servers don’t need to be rebuilt from scratchX
- 20. NCFR Virtualization Case StudyBy 2010, NCFR was down to four serversDomain Controller / Exchange (2008)Website / SharePoint front-end (2007)Great Plains (accounting) / S.P. back-end (2005)ListManager / Backup D.C. (2005)Aging environmentToo many applications running together20
- 21. NCFR Virtualization CostsOne new serverUpgrades to existing serveriSCSI SANTwo network switchesVMware Business Essentials PlusNonprofit pricing available!Hardware & software cost: ~$16,50021
- 22. NCFR Upgrade PathUpgraded OS and application platformsMigrated DC/DNS/DHCP & file shares into a new Windows Server 2008R2 VMDeployed Exchange 2010 on a new Windows Server 2008R2 VM & migrated mailboxesGreat Plains 2010 & ListManager 10.2 VMsPhysical-to-virtual conversions of web server and legacy accounting serverSharePoint 2010 VMs are next22
- 23. Also in useTwo repurposed desktop computersVCenterManagement server for physical hostsBackup serverSymantec Backup Exec 2010 (via TechSoup!)1.5 TB hard drive installed for on-site backupsExternal hard drive (USB) for off-site backupsBackup Domain Controller / DNS / DHCP23
- 24. Other considerationsiSCSI SAN = most important hardwareTwo disk arrays550 GB high-performance (4x 15k RPM SAS, RAID 10)3.5 TB high-capacity (5x 7,200 RPM SATA, RAID 5)Provides storage for all VMs & dataNo single point of failureEach disk array has a hot-spareDual disk controllersRedundant power supplies & network portsFive year parts & service warrantee24
- 25. Other considerationsProcessing power = not an issueOperating systems only use neededHaven’t seen utilization greater than 40%Available RAM = big issueOperating systems cache all they’re givenMore = better!VMware High Availability Lets you rank which VMs take priority in case a physical host goes down25
- 26. What else can be virtualized?26
- 27. Virtual applications27Desktop applications can be virtualized Desktops on the network can run the application like it’s installed locally, but it’s actually run from a virtual OS environment at the server
- 28. Desktop virtualization28Desktop computers can be like snowmen tooLarger investment needed in serversInexpensive, energy efficient “thin-clients” work as virtual desktop terminals
- 29. Mobile virtualization29Virtualization could run business and personal environments separately and simultaneously on one deviceExpect to see offered on smart phones by 2013
- 30. Infrastructure in the cloud30Cloud computing = location-independentFaster bandwidth + datacenters + virtualization = alternatives to hosting servers on-site
- 31. Bonus slide31CAUTION:Do not actually put snowmen in your server room.They are a metaphor.X