Server virtualisation allows multiple server workloads to be run on a single physical server, maximising datacentre resources, and reducing resource usage. Virtualisation is an excellent way to consolidate physical servers, provide standby services, and test new features.
Microsoft offer two virtualisation products, which are licensed as part of the operating system: Virtual Server 2005 R2 (for Windows Server 2003), and Hyper-V (for Windows Server 2008). In addition, Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 can manage a mixture of virtual environments, in Virtual Server, Hyper V, or VMWare. Citric can assist you in choosing the platform, hardware and software needed to establish your virtual environment, and then migrate your existing servers (physical or virtual) to the new platform.
Hyper-V is the latest virtualisation product from Microsoft, and allows for high availablity using clustering of the Hyper-V host, and supports 64-bit virtual machines. Citric can migrate existing virtual servers from Virtual Server 2005 or VMWare to Hyper-V.
Virtualisation addresses four key scenarios:
- Consolidate infrastructure, application, and branch office server workloads - Virtualisation is ideal for server consolidation in both the datacenter and the branch office, allowing IT staff to make more efficient use of their hardware resources. It also allows IT staff to enhance their overall productivity and rapidly deploy new servers that enable the people in their organization to quickly address changing business needs.
- Consolidate and re-host legacy applications - Virtualisation enables re-hosting of legacy operating systems (Windows NT Server 4.0 and Windows 2000 Server) and their associated custom applications from older hardware to new hardware running Windows Server 2003 or 2008.
- Automate and consolidate software test and development environments - Virtual Server 2005 and Hyper-V enable IT and development staff to consolidate their test and development server farm and automate the provisioning of virtual machines. System Center Virtual Machine Manager allows the automatic allocation of virtual machines to the most suitable physical host, and self-service creation of virtual machines.
- Simplify disaster and recovery planning - Virtualisation can be used as part of a disaster and recovery plan that requires application portability and flexibility across hardware platforms.
This document from Microsoft explains how virtualisation can provide significant cost savings to businesses whilst increasing business agility. (pdf format, 748kb)
Desktop Virtualisation
Microsoft now have a number of products which enable organisations to deliver a centralised managed desktop to their employees, using in-house servers or remote infrastructure. The three key technologies are:
- Terminal Services: Using Windows Server 2008 R2, users can have a Windows 7.0 style desktop and performance (including aero graphics) delivered to any device capable of running the remote desktop client, removing the need to upgrade the user hardware.
- MED-V: (Enterprise Desktop Virtualisation) Allows client machines running Vista to run non-Vista compatible applications within a virtual environment. This is availble to Enterprise customers with Software Assurance, and will be built-in to Windows 7.0
- APP-V: (Application Virtualisation) Enables older/incompatible verisons of applications (such as Access 2000 and Access 2007) to run side by side on the same machine.
A combination of these three technologies allows any application to be delivered to any employee, wherever they are, anytime.
Contact us now to discuss how Virtualisation solutions could benefit your business.