I recently acquired the VCP Certification. Although that certification is centered, of course, on VMWare, I would like to talk more specifically about Virtualization technologies for all the major vendors: Microsoft (Hyper-V), VMWare (vSphere), and Citrix (XenServer), rather than vendor-specific information. I think this will help anyone out there new to Virtualization, because virtualization changes the game a bit.
Microsoft in particular is ramping up more of its Virtualization Certifications with Hyper-V, so I thought I'd spend some time on what you should concentrate on both for exams as well as implementation of virtualization if you are new to it:
Although the above is not meant to be an all-inclusive list, it is a pretty inclusive list of the most challenging concepts that are unique to virtualization. Feel free to add to the list with your comments.
What I have found when it comes Virtualization in general, is that it is more about shattering your preconceived notions about physical environments, rather than your ignorance of virtualization. That will work against you in your learning more than anything.
If I were you, even if you don't plan on getting certified in virtualization, start learning it now because if you don't you will really be limiting your career options in the future.
And that's putting it nicely.
Bryan Sullins, MISM
MCITP, MCSE, MCT, A+, Network+, Linux+, LPIC-2, Security+, CEH
Bryan worked with computers as a hobby up until 1999, when he got into computers and networking professionally as the Network Administrator for Easter Seals Arizona. Shortly thereafter, he began his career as a Technical Trainer for New Horizons in his native Phoenix, Arizona. Bryan has taught Windows, Security, Linux, and VMWare on and off as one of the lead Technical Instructors for New Horizons Northeast since 2001. During his time away from New Horizons, Bryan has worked stints as a Security and Microsoft AD consultant at everything from Small Businesses up to large Enterprise Organizations.
The Leader in Network Knowledge
Virtualisation Architecture here such a thing?
I see large organisation blindly rush in implementing a Virtual Technoly (v-product) and while some of them might have a vision eg "Optimise the utilisation of our ICT Infrastructure and reduce costs, operational and licensing." I have not seen any that have a set of business requirements, I see people that take the feature function of a v-product, but that's very different.
Having Business requirements might drive for a different outcome other than instal a v-product, eg update all you systems and consolidate current base, or get your act together and manage properly.
From the above should come an architecture (a living architecture) on which one bases a design (which also is reviewed over time) and then choose a way of implementing that design or a technology.
I don't see any of the above happening am I not looking in the right place?
My big big concern is that v-products are being used as a mechanism for the organisation to NOT make or stall on the really important decisions like "get the policies and procedures right, enforce them and update them"; "get your systems updated to current version sooner". On the later point I pity the organisation and CIO of the future, in 5 or 10yrs time, whose backlog of old unsupoortable business critical application will probably increase exponentially, the problem is large enought today!
johnpalo@hotmail.com
Are you saying there must be clear goals?
If I understand you correctly, I think you are saying that there must be clear and defined business requirements and an assurance that "v-products" are going to meet those requirements.
If so, then what you are saying is true for ANY IT solution, not just virtualization.
Otherwise, are you implying that if people implement v-products "just because they're hot," they're going to be sorry for it? Unless I'm missing something, I'm not sure what your point is.
If you are implying a sweeping statement that virtualization is a poor solution in every case, then I must respectfully say that that would be a false assumption. I have seen first-hand the benefits of v-products at many levels, so once again I will ask for clarification.
Bryan
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