Virtualize your career

The trade rags are full of information regarding virtualization.  Many different vendors offer virtualization solutions, including Microsoft, IBM, EMC (VMware), Citrix, Novell, Oracle, Red Hat, and Sun.  It's common knowledge that if you need to deploy 10 or more servers, then you have a lower cost per server by using a virtualization solution, compared to using physical servers.

Due to the rapid advances of relatively inexpensive hardware, 95% of all system software can run in a virtualized environment.   The only exceptions to this are the most I/O intensive applications, and applications with unusual hardware requirements (hardware where a virtual driver is not available).  For example, a fax server with a Dialogic telephony board may be difficult to virtualize.

So how does all this affect your career?  Should you jump on the virtualization bandwagon, and if so, which vendor's products should you learn and which certifications (if any) should you pursue?

On Intel chipsets and compatibles, there are two clear leaders - Microsoft and VMware.  It's a religious discussion which one is better.    VMware has a larger market share and is probably objectively better, but Microsoft's Hyper-V is coming on fast and gaining market share.  Microsoft has struggled somewhat to deliver a complete package of virtualization tools (fault tolerance, migration, management).  But with Microsoft's Research and Development (R&D) strength, it's just a matter of time before Microsoft catches up with VMware.  It reminds me of the browser wars of 10 years ago, when Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser started out far behind Netscape Navigator, but through strong R&D, low (free) cost, and their typical marketing prowess, Microsoft eventually dominated.  I wouldn't be surprised if the same thing ultimately happens with Microsoft virtualization versus EMC (VMware) virtualization.   Microsoft is already helping to drive down VMware's pricing.

Here are some concrete suggestions for learning virtualization:

1. Get hands on experience

You can build a home lab by downloading the hypervisor for free and then use trial software or open source software such as Linux to build your virtual machines. Practice it over and over until it becomes easy.

2. Pick one and stick with it

Pick either VMware or Hyper-V and stick with it. They are both full featured, complex pieces of software, and it is no small feat to learn it thoroughly. Most companies will use one or the other but not both. I would not advise trying to learn Citrix Xen Server, because it may not survive the fierce competition with Hyper-V and VMware.

3. Work towards certification

Microsoft now has a Technology Specialist certification for Hyper-V. VMware also has a certification program. Either one of these programs will help you learn the product better and help make you more attractive to potential employers.

Executive Guide to Virtualization
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