1. Develop a virtualisation strategy beyond servers
Many companies have forayed into virtual machines to introduce efficiency and flexibility, often beginning with a few servers and applications. However, in order to get the most out of your infrastructure, remember to include storage, networking and management in your planning.
2. Create a balanced architecture with hardware that has comparable performance capabilities
Consider all aspects of your infrastructure in order to maximise the potential of each component; for example, the full potential of quad-core servers can be realised only when paired with equally impressive memory and networking capacity, otherwise, performance benefits will be compromised.
3. Avoid a multi-model setup by migrating to a bladed infrastructure with shared storage
Most applications have specific recipes for the amount of network, storage and server resources they need, which can make it difficult to modify components to accommodate virtualisation. Converging on a bladed infrastructure with a shared storage model allows customers to fully realise the flexibility benefits offered by virtualisation.
4. Utilise a single, large network connection to flexibly distribute network bandwidth as needed
A single high-bandwidth network connection with virtualised connections to servers and storage allocates bandwidth as required and enables quick configuration changes within the pipe, without moving or unplugging anything.
5. Increase flexibility for network configurations by virtualising the connections
Virtual connections, used in place of conventional switch modules, abstract and pool the server-edge connections to allow server administrators to independently manage server blades and their connectivity. In turn, the network simply follows the application, regardless of the location of physical or virtual server.
6. Invest in a storage area network (SAN) that is optimised for virtual environments
In order to meet the unique capacity utilisation, performance, management, and availability requirements of a virtual server environment, it is best to choose a SAN with the architecture and shared storage features to meet such requirements.
7. Leverage existing storage resources with new software or hardware add-ons
Software or hardware add-ons, such as iSCSI devices and Fibre Channel technologies, enhance existing storage to help customers meet the unique demands of a virtual server environment, even without expertise in SAN technology or the scalability of a dedicated SAN.
8. Install management software that controls physical and virtual machines together
Instead of having separate management consoles for physical resources and virtual resources, choose management software that views them the same way and lets you manage them together. With a holistic management tool, workloads can be easily deployed, moved and changed from physical to virtual or vice versa.
9. Automate infrastructure provisioning with workflow and application templates
A management solution that enables you to build and save automated workflows will allow you to design templates for many frequently repeated tasks for specific applications, such as Exchange or SAP, eliminating the cost and time of manual processes. The entire life cycle of your infrastructure can be automated, from provisioning through retirement and cut weeks out of the provisioning effort in the process.
10. Consult with vendor or third-party services when specific expertise is necessary
Vendor and other third-party services provide skilful expertise when IT staff has limited experience. Services representatives help businesses develop a specialised virtualisation strategy, design and plan to meet their individual needs. Most importantly, services help customers plan for virtualising their physical and virtual environments while lowering costs, in order to maximise ROI, reduce the risk of downtime and increase flexibility across the business.
Manoj Bhoola is HP South Africa’s Country Manager for Enterprise, Servers, Storage and Networking
