VMware is in an enviable but tricky situation: The company must work closely with hardware partners, keeping these prime sales and promotional channels happy and supportive. But VMware must also innovate around proprietary OEMs, subverting their products with integrated software before a rival steps up with an integrated alternative. This two-prong "coopetition" strategy has … [Read more...] about VMware’s Hardware Partner Strategy: Heads I Win, Tales You Lose
HCL
“Our Storage Array Is Compatible with VMware…” Says Who?
I talk to dozens of companies every week, and every one says the same thing: “Our product is compatible with VMware!” But not everyone's definition of “compatible” is the same, and some are not compatible (I couldn't resist) with the requirements of production data centers. Therefore, I present to you my spectrum of compatibility for VMware. A Spectrum of … [Read more...] about “Our Storage Array Is Compatible with VMware…” Says Who?
I Don’t Care If You Claim It Works (The Support Matrix Blues)
As a computer hobbyist and tinker, I love making things work, but as an IT professional I just can't countenance this kind of hacking. The sad truth is, regardless of whether or not something works, product support is usually more important. That's why I'm singing the support matrix blues: I don't care if you say it works, just tell me if it's supported. "Supported" and … [Read more...] about I Don’t Care If You Claim It Works (The Support Matrix Blues)
VMware VAAI Storage Array Support in Plain English
The most exciting enhancements in VMware vSphere 4.1 is the addition of vStorage API for Array Integration (VAAI). This new API allows VMware ESX to offload storage processing functions to capable storage arrays, reducing the workload on the server hardware in introducing new and exciting possibilities for performance and efficiency. VAAI in ESX 4.1 includes three separate … [Read more...] about VMware VAAI Storage Array Support in Plain English
The Best Network Card For VMware ESX Home Lab Machines
I'm building a home/lab server to run a variety of workloads, but VMware ESX is chief among these. Sadly, VMware ESX is especially picky about network interface cards (NICs): Although many are supported, most are intended for servers and thus very expensive and difficult to find at retail. So I set out browsing through the VMware ESX HCL, Newegg, and Amazon to find the best … [Read more...] about The Best Network Card For VMware ESX Home Lab Machines