T he first part of creating a lab is determining the hardware specifications. I read and read and re-read until I thought my eyes would cross. My first thoughts were to have a single computer with plenty of memory and disk space to support multiple virtual machines but after plenty of research and talking with other virtualization experts, a 2-machine system with at least a NAS solution that supported NFS. Two servers from Dell or any other major manufacturer definitely exceeded the budged. As a result, the only affordable option was to build twowhitebox computers but will it work?
Research
VMware nor Microsoft advertise that server-class hardware is not required for ESX or Hyper-V so building a generic PC with the correct components can work. Attempts to mix and max components, non-SATA CD/DVD burners, 8GB RAM with Intel VT processors and motherboards that would support 64-bit operating systems proved to be a test of patience and endurance. However, after purchasing the ultimate bare-bones system, I waited for the moment of truth.
Building
The first of the two systems was assembled then Microsoft Hyper-V installed successfully. The second test involved installing VMware ESX 3.5, Update 1 but that proved to be challenging to say the least. The next week involved trials and tribulations involving an unrecognized CD/DVD IDE burner, a BIOS that was not configurable for VMware’s requirements. As a result, the systems were returned to Tiger Direct since the motherboard proved incompatible with VMware.
Now what? There was no way to buy 2 Dell servers for approximately $1800, the price of the 2 PCs at Tiger Direct. Fortunately, a friend of mine passed his older systems as he had other’s. So, I was blessed with 2 Dell 2650 computers complete with sufficient disk drives, GB NICs and DRACs!!! The systems will only support 32-bit operating systems so running Microsoft’s Hyper-V is not an option.
Now, for anyone that maybe faced with a similar situation but no one is giving away server, here’s more information. if I did had not received these Dell servers I would have purchased one Dell’s PowerEdge T605 server. My initial instincts were correct in that my time (and frustration level) cost more than the time spent researching and building. However, it is still a priceless lessoned learned.
Storage
Some may have funds for iSCSI or even a SAN but these options did not make the budget. The challenge to find a low-cost storage solution that supported NFS proved just as challenging as configuring the hardware. Adding support for NFS puts most external hard drive solutions in the $700+ USD price range especially since the solutions needed a GB network connection for speed. Most of these solutions included 3-4 internal SATA drives with RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD (just a bunch of disks) configurations. Many articles suggested Tagan’s IcyBox NAS 4220-B enclosure for 2-SATA drives of any size but locating one in the US was difficult. Luckily, I’ve done the work (See links below). Setup was a breeze and vmware recognizes the storage easily.
Summary
Whether you build, buy or are fortunate to obtain older systems via Ebay or Craigslists, research thoroughly; ensure you have a warranty and enjoy all that virtualization technology has to offer.
Following is a list of useful sites:
8/9/08
Virtualization: The need for a test lab
I have been on a search to learn more about virtualization. If you are not aware, this is one of the hottest topics in information technology. Virtualization is not new and I have been a fan of VmWare's products when their primary application was VmWare Desktop quite some years ago.
Virtualization History
Fast forward to the present, Vmware and Microsoft are competing to dominate in this market, especially for big businesses. Virtualization used to mean the ability to run another operating system on your desktop such as running Linux or Windows Server on your Windows or Linux desktop. This was great for developers and testers because you no longer needed to have a separate physical machine for each environment that you needed. Now, large businesses are able to consolidate hardware by having fewer super computers with plenty of (shared) diskspace and memory that can host several guest operating systems. Thus, businesses can save hundreds of thousands of dollars on hardware that becomes obsolete far quicker than the operating system and/or application. You can believe that if Microsoft has entered the picture, there is money to be made.
Challenges
Unfortunately, learning this technology can be challenging for a system administrator especially if you are not able to attend a certified class. The first obstacle is that the latest version of Vmware's and Microsoft's virtualization products only install on baremetal hardware that meet certain criteria such as a system that has Intel's Virtualization Technology (VT). Another obstacle, at least with Vmware, is certification is only available after attending a certified class and passing the certification tests. In a nutshell, you have to pay the piper regardless of how much knowledge you may have or whether or not you can pass the test. Are you sitting down? That can translate to $5500 USD or more, give or take approximately $1000, depending on which classes you need. Ouch. I do not know about you but I just do not have a spare $5500 plus hotel and travel expenses.
That does not leave many options for the system administrator, particularly if your employer cannot or will not pay for an authorized/certified class. I find it ironic and frustrating that businesses desire administrators to magically understand, implement and troubleshoot new technologies but do not provide the tools to obtain the knowledge whether it be a test lab and/or class.
Test Lab Justification
Hence, the hunt for the perfect test lab to learn visually. In the upcoming blog posts, I will outline my journey to setup my test lab as well as show the install process.
I hope you come along and provide some feedback. After all, we all need to stay current so stay tuned.
Virtualization History
Fast forward to the present, Vmware and Microsoft are competing to dominate in this market, especially for big businesses. Virtualization used to mean the ability to run another operating system on your desktop such as running Linux or Windows Server on your Windows or Linux desktop. This was great for developers and testers because you no longer needed to have a separate physical machine for each environment that you needed. Now, large businesses are able to consolidate hardware by having fewer super computers with plenty of (shared) diskspace and memory that can host several guest operating systems. Thus, businesses can save hundreds of thousands of dollars on hardware that becomes obsolete far quicker than the operating system and/or application. You can believe that if Microsoft has entered the picture, there is money to be made.
Challenges
Unfortunately, learning this technology can be challenging for a system administrator especially if you are not able to attend a certified class. The first obstacle is that the latest version of Vmware's and Microsoft's virtualization products only install on baremetal hardware that meet certain criteria such as a system that has Intel's Virtualization Technology (VT). Another obstacle, at least with Vmware, is certification is only available after attending a certified class and passing the certification tests. In a nutshell, you have to pay the piper regardless of how much knowledge you may have or whether or not you can pass the test. Are you sitting down? That can translate to $5500 USD or more, give or take approximately $1000, depending on which classes you need. Ouch. I do not know about you but I just do not have a spare $5500 plus hotel and travel expenses.
That does not leave many options for the system administrator, particularly if your employer cannot or will not pay for an authorized/certified class. I find it ironic and frustrating that businesses desire administrators to magically understand, implement and troubleshoot new technologies but do not provide the tools to obtain the knowledge whether it be a test lab and/or class.
Test Lab Justification
Hence, the hunt for the perfect test lab to learn visually. In the upcoming blog posts, I will outline my journey to setup my test lab as well as show the install process.
I hope you come along and provide some feedback. After all, we all need to stay current so stay tuned.
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