Virtualisation

We have been working with VMware products since 2003 including implementing ESX server (v1.5 through 4.1) and VirtualCenter (v1.0 through to v4.1) on IBM Blade and IBM System x servers connected to IBM Storage Area Networks.

This work has involved the analysis of existing servers to allow sizing of new hardware for server consolidation.

Backup strategies we have configured for virtual infrastructures have included: –

Veritas Backup Exec with remote agents
TSM clients (including installation within the service console)
VMware Consolidated Backup
Scripts to add redo logs to the virtual disks before backing them up followed by committing the redo logs
Veeam Backup and Replication
Vizioncore VRange Pro

VMware Replication technologies we have implemented include: –

NetApp SnapMirror
IBM DS4000 MetroMirror
Vizioncore vReplicator
Veeam Backup and Replication

We are a VMware Partner and employ Certified VMware Professional staff.

We also use VMware Workstation internally to allow the testing of infrastructures involving multiple servers running on a single laptop.

We have implemented solutions utilising VMware Server and VMware Player.

Physical to Virtual software we have used includes VMware’s P2V, Converter and PlateSpin’s PowerConvert, we have also used PlateSpin’s PowerRecon to analyse an x86 infrastructure during the feasibility study and planning phases of a consolidation project

We are very excited about the latest version of VMware’s Datacenter Product vSphere and out technicians have already attended the vSphere training prior to the GA date of 21st May 2009.  They have updating their VCP qualifications to vSphere 4.