Posted by mike on Jul 12, 2010 in VMware | 0 comments
I’d like to start discussing the storage I have at my work. I’ve had some good experiences in learning and working with it, and I’d like to share! I haven’t found alot specifically regarding working with the EVAs like I do daily, so I hope some folks find this useful!
So, as an overview for the environment, we currently have 3 8100 series and one 4400 series. EVAs arrays use two controllers, and our models are active/active. Our VMware environment at work is currently a VI3 schmorgesborg and we are planning an update (well migration) to vSphere. For SAN switches, we have older Mcdata’s that are workhorses! We manage them using EFCM software (also java, sigh).
HP provides Command View for EVA as the management tool for the EVAs. This installs and runs on Windows, and is now supported running in a VM as of the current release (9.2). Replication is handled with Business Copy and Continuous Access (separately licensed features). Automation of replication is handled using Replication Solutions Manager, which is a java-based App. :-/
For my next post, I’ll be giving a walkthrough of Command View and discuss how the EVAs we have are configured. Lots of screenshots too!
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Posted by mike on May 23, 2010 in VMware | 1 comment
Welp, thankfully I have a rack and things are coming together nicely. I picked up a UPS also, and two Linksys/Cisco SLM2008s. Also grabbed a third DL360 G4. Once things are cabled up and running today, I plan to do a fresh install of the entire environment to VI3. First things first though, I need to build a win2k3 vm for a template, then deploy a SQL2005 box and virtualcenter server. Then I need to setup openfiler for iscsi storage (the DL580 G2 has a drive cabinet attached with 800~GB raid 5 storage (with a hot spare too!)). I’m also thinking about setting up and playing with vyatta to see how well it can handle routing. All in good time though. Here’s some pics of the setup. I’ll be blogging more regularly with my machinations. And I fully realize doing this means I’ll be totally showing off for the ladies 
Also, the nice thing about having the WRT54G running tomato down in the basement in wireless bridge mode means I can sit upstairs with a lemonaide in the sunshine and VM to my hearts content without having to run cat5 everywhere!
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Posted by mike on Apr 25, 2010 in VMware | 0 comments
Needed some new switching action for the lab, can’t wait for them to arrive! I’ll be documenting the new lab setup here soon. I think I might need a 24U rack…
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Posted by mike on Apr 5, 2010 in VMware | 4 comments
So I successfully passed the VCP for vSphere. The test was a bit harder than I thought it was going to be, and showed me some of the things that I did not study as hard as I should have. Overall though I’m pleased that it’s all over with, as I can let my brain rest a bit.
My next goal is to rebuild the lab to work with view 4. I believe that VDI is going to be very prominent over the next few years and it will be important to have a firm grasp.
- Mike
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Posted by mike on Mar 31, 2010 in VMware | 0 comments
Well, in the final countdown to the VCP. I’m a mere 13 hours away and I’m feeling great! In fact I think it’s going to be hard to sleep. I’m just ready to nail it out right now! I’d like to list out what I used to study as it may be useful for those out there who are wondering. The vSphere 4.0 Quick Start Guide, Mastering VMware vSphere 4.0, the vreference.com 2 page reference “cards”, and the following PDF’s from VMware’s site: Configuration Maximums, Resource Management Guide, Availability Guide, iSCSI configuration guide, and FC configuration guide. I always took the tests on Simon Long’s blog and found them quite useful. I have crossed my fingers, and ate a whole thing of Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano’s. If that doesn’t stack the deck in my favor, I don’t know what will!
- Mike
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