As I have done since version 3.5, I'm charting the storage changes in VMware's latest release of vSphere, 5.1. Detailed at VMworld but not released as of this writing, vSphere 5.1 is lauded for eliminating the "vTax" and bringing features like replication, a revised backup application, and shared-nothing vMotion. Unlike version 5, which included many new technical storage … [Read more...] about Storage Changes in VMware vSphere 5.1
Storage DRS
Virtual Machine Mobility: Of What, and to Where and in What State?
Mobility of virtual machines is a sticky wicket. As open systems infrastructure becomes increasingly virtualized, administrators and managers wish to use the technology to balance workload, ease migration, and provide better availability. Although technology is improving, actually moving virtual machines is not always a piece of cake. Let's lay down a baseline of information so … [Read more...] about Virtual Machine Mobility: Of What, and to Where and in What State?
Are You a Hypervisor Hugger or a Storage Stalwart?
The time has come to take sides on the core question of storage for virtual servers: Do you want storage intelligence to live in the hypervisor or the array? Most administrators are already lining up on one side or the other, unintentionally casting their vote while the rest flounder. But the storage industry must wake up and embrace the divide. Hypervisor Huggers … [Read more...] about Are You a Hypervisor Hugger or a Storage Stalwart?
What is VMware VASA? Not Much (Yet)
The list of VMware storage integration features in vSphere is growing at a rapid pace. From backup to enterprise array offload, VMware is staking their claim. But information about one new storage feature in vSphere 5 has been scarce: The true nature of the Storage API for Storage Awareness (VASA) is only just beginning to be revealed. VASA: Born of Necessity vSphere has some … [Read more...] about What is VMware VASA? Not Much (Yet)
Storage Changes in VMware vSphere 5
VMware officially launched their next-generation (version 5) enterprise server virtualization product line this week under the "vSphere 5" name. As I've been doing for the last few major VMware releases, I'm focusing this post on the storage changes present in vSphere 5. For more information on earlier updates, see my articles: Storage Fixes in VMware ESX Server 3.5 Update … [Read more...] about Storage Changes in VMware vSphere 5