Archive for the ‘Virtualization’ Category

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VMware Backups using NetBackup 7

March 26, 2010

Configuring NetBackup 7 for VMware backup (using vStorage API)

Configure VMware backup host in Netbackup

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right-click on master server, select “Properties”

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Add VMware Backup Host

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Configure Credentials on vCenter

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Create the backup policy for Virtual Machine Backup

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The parameters shown are not the default but reflect a configuration that seems to be optimal for test environment. Your mileage may vary.
These specific parameters have been changed from the default
Client Name Selection determines how Virtual Machines are identified to Netbackup.  VM Display name option matches the VM name as identified in vCenter
Transfer type determines how VM data is transfered to Netbackup host.  The san option uses Fibre Channel or iSCSI SAN (Note:, LUNs containing VMWare Data Stored must be presented to Netbackup host).  The nbd option resorts to a network copy, should the san option fail.
Existing snapshot handling, when set to Remove NBU, will remove stray NetBackup snapshots from VMs if encountered but ignore all other snapshots.
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Configure remaining backup policy options based on backup windows etc.

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If options need to be changed (‘cuz mine didn’t work in your environment ;) ) , change on the policy’s attributes window

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Posted in Backup & Recovery, Netbackup, VMware, Virtualization | 1 Comment »

VMware Acquiring Zimbra

January 13, 2010

I thought this was interesting.. VMware announced Tuesday that they are acquiring Zimbra, makers of the Zimbra Collaboration Suite that is well known for a Linux and Mac OS email server, shared calendar and collaboration software (think Microsoft Exchange but for the Linux & Mac)..

A good write up can  be seen over at the Tuaw Blog, here:
http://www.tuaw.com/2010/01/13/zimbra-and-vmware-get-married-cloud-shaped-kids-expected/

VMware Press Release:
http://www.vmware.com/company/news/releases/zimbra.html

Posted in Apple, VMware, Virtualization | Leave a Comment »

Upgrading from vSpehere 4.0 to 4.0U1 on HP Proliant

November 29, 2009

I just stumbled across something which I thought might be more than helpful to a few of us. VMware has a documented issue when upgrading vSphere 4.0 when the HP Insight Manager agents are installed on the host. The short version is that the Insight Manager services must be disabled before attempting to upgrade the host, or the host can be left in an unstable partially upgraded state.

The full article can be found here: http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1016070

Posted in VMware, Virtualization | Leave a Comment »

Microsoft Desktop Licensing in a Virtual Environment (VDI)

August 7, 2009

We’ve already posted some useful info on licensing servers for a virtual environment, but we also get the question a lot of how virtualization changes licensing for hosted desktop (aka VDI) environments. Well, here are some very useful links.

Here’s a high level:

Virtualization brings about new use cases that did not previously exist in traditional desktop environments. These use cases include the ability to create multiple desktops dynamically, enable user access to multiple virtual machines (VMs) simultaneously, and move desktop VMs across multiple platforms, especially in load-balancing and disaster recovery situations. Microsoft designed Windows Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop (VECD) to enable organizations to license virtual copies of Windows client operating systems in virtual environments.

Virtual Enterprise Centralized Desktop Licensing:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/enterprise/solutions/virtualization/licensing.aspx

More Licensing Details:
http://blogs.technet.com/virtualization/archive/2009/07/13/Microsoft_1920_s-new-VDI-licensing_3A00_-VDI-Suites.aspx

Desktop Virtualization (VDI) Info:
http://www.microsoft.com/virtualization/products/desktop/default.mspx
http://www.vmware.com/products/view/

 Hope it helps!

Posted in Citrix, HyperV, Microsoft, VMware, Virtualization, Windows | 2 Comments »

Windows 7 XP Mode RC Available

August 5, 2009

There is an article over at TechTree.com talks about the Windows XP Mode (XPM) RC which is now available for download. Good Stuff!

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Windows_XP_Mode_RC_for_Windows_7_Arrives/551-105212-580.html

A similar article over at Virtualization Review – http://virtualizationreview.com/articles/2009/08/04/windows-xp-mode-rc-released.aspx

Posted in Virtualization, Windows | Leave a Comment »

VMware Data Recovery Dedupe Stores

July 15, 2009

There is a nice article over at VMware Infrastrcute Operations talking about guidelines for Dedupe data stores fur use with VMware Data Recovery.

If you’re working with this new feature in vSphere, take a look at the article.

http://viops.vmware.com/home/docs/DOC-1551

Posted in Backup & Recovery, VMware, Virtualization | Leave a Comment »

Oracle Kills Virtual Iron Brand and Fires Employees

July 14, 2009

Wow, I thought this was crazy.. Virtual Iron was gobbled up by Oracle a couple months ago and I know a lot of us were wondering what was in store for Virtual Iron.. well, the future isn’t a good one for them. It looks like Oracle has killed the Virtual Iron brand, assimulating their technology and moving on (yes, that was a geeky Star Trek reference hehe). Read more about it at these links:

http://storageinformer.com/oracle-to-terminate-virtual-iron-business/
http://gregarius.dropcode.net/demo/virtualization.info/2009/06/19/Oracle_kills_Virtual_Iron_brand,_fires_all_employees_but_10

Oh, and if you need a VMware design/demo/quote to replace Virtual Iron in your environment, just let us know! ;-)
UPDATE: VMware has also provided special promo pricing for ex-Virtual Iron customers to move over to VMware! See the details here:
http://www.vmware.com/company/news/releases/virtualiron-safepassage.html

Posted in VMware, Virtualization | Leave a Comment »

Oracle Buys Virtual Iron

May 19, 2009

I guess when Oracle bought Sun, they had some more money laying around.. they also bought a Xen Hypervisor offshoot based virtualization company called Virtual Iron.

http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/press/018535
http://www.oracle.com/virtualiron/index.html

It’ll be interesting to see what they do with it, now that Oracle has Sun’s virtual offerings as well as Virtual Iron’s offerings..

Posted in Virtualization | Leave a Comment »

Using USB Devices in Virtual Machines on VMware ESX

April 21, 2009

I’ve been getting this question a lot lately – “Can I use USB devices or dongles inside a Virtual Machine on ESX?”

The out-of-the-box answer is No. USB devices are not supported within the VM on ESX 3.5. That being said, there are a few companies that have gotten excellent reviews and are very popular on the VMware Community Forums that provide USB functionality.

The most popular way of presenting USB devices in Virtual Machines on ESX that I’ve heard/seen is from Digi International, which has a product called AnywhereUSB. Follow the link for additional info on the product.
They have also published a VMware Branded Technical Note (whitepaper) entitled VMware ESX Server: Using AnywhereUSB to Connect USB Devices

FabulaTech is another popular way. A good post regarding it can be found here:
http://www.ntpro.nl/blog/archives/897-Passing-USB-devices-to-the-Virtual-Machines.html

Update to the post:
I came across a recent post over at VMetc mentioning a couple more temporary plus permanent options for using USB over IP:
http://vmetc.com/2009/03/11/connecting-a-usb-device-to-an-esx-hosted-vm/

A few other links of companies that have gotten good reviews to allow USB access in VM’s:
http://www.kernelpro.com/usb-over-ethernet.html (Inexpensive, starts at $89!)
http://usbip.sourceforge.net (Open Source Project for USB over IP)

Enjoy!

Posted in VMware, Virtualization | 4 Comments »

How to configure OpenFiler v2.3 iSCSI Storage for use with VMware ESX

April 2, 2009

On my to-do list was to write up a How-To on using OpenFiler iSCSI storage appliance with VMware ESX. The OpenFiler appliance is a free appliance that you can use to turn local storage into an iSCSI target. Well, Simon over at TechHead in the UK did a bang up job (that’s London speak!) with a How-To detailing installing the OpenFiler software and using it with ESX.

http://www.techhead.co.uk/how-to-configure-openfiler-v23-iscsi-storage-for-use-with-vmware-esx

I’ve heard great things about OpenFiler from our customers who are using it. Keep in mind, you’ll want to keep OpenFiler in DR environments or Test/Dev environments as there is some limits on performance. But those who are looking for a free iSCSI target or appliance, it’s a good one.

You might also check out our other post on some of the other common iSCSI appliances, very similar to OpenFiler:
http://lewanps.wordpress.com/2009/02/04/xtravirt-xvs-iscsi-san-vm-appliance/
http://lewanps.wordpress.com/2009/01/08/dr-in-a-box/

Enjoy!

Posted in General Storage, VMware, Virtualization | 2 Comments »

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