Best Practices for ESX Host Partitions

Posted on February 12th, 2008 in esx, how to, optimus solutions, services, vmetc.com by Rich

Installing ESX is fast and simple. By default you could click through the installer GUI changing only your local time zone and end up with a stable, dependable host. However, there are some recommended partitioning best practices that should be followed in order to make sure you minimize possible future headaches and create a repeatable and scalable environment.

This post uses content from documents found in the VI Plan and Design Toolkit available to VMware partners. Logging on to Partner Central and accessing > Info Center > VAC > Services is how you find the various toolkits. It also should be pointed out that the partitioning information in this post is for ESX 3.x only, and is not applicable to ESX 3i, 2.x or previous versions.

When installing ESX you quickly reach the Partitioning Options screen. Select the “Recommended” radio button initially. You can then make changes from

Optimus bought by Softchoice

Posted on January 23rd, 2008 in news, optimus solutions, vmetc.com by Rich

I realize I am a little late announcing my own employer has been acquired, but, hey, I’ve been busy!

Anyways, here’s a good write up about the deal from Channelweb Network. From the article:

The acquisition of $140 million Optimus would help Softchoice to provide advanced hardware technology solutions and services, including internetworking, server consolidation, and security solutions to U.S. mid-market, enterprise and public sector organizations. The deal broadens Softchoice’s geographic reach, extending its ability now to deliver hardware solutions across all U.S. market segments.

After talking to several of our customers I have heard nothing but positive comments. A lot of our clients have bought software licenses through Softchoice and are excited with the new potential to buy hardware and services through them as well.  I know there are a bunch of Softchoice customers all over the United States and Canada that Optimus has not done with business with so far. Who knows, I may be coming to a town near you soon …

IBM System x and BladeCenter with VMware

Posted on January 7th, 2008 in blades, esx, ibm, optimus solutions, partner, promos, vi3, vmware by Rich

IBM is running a VMware ESX evaluation promotion through December 31, 2008. Details about the promotion can be found at IBM System x and BladeCenter with VMware.

From the IBM site:

For a limited time, you can try VMware® Infrastructure 3 software when you purchase a VMware ServerProven® System x server or BladeCenter chassis. The eligible products are shipped with a flyer that entitles you to register for a 90-day evaluation license for VMware Infrastructure 3. Once registered, you will receive an email with your VMware Infrastructure license activation code and easy instructions on how to get started.

The promotional 90 day evaluation is an extension to the normal 60 day evaluation offered from the VMware.com downloads site.

Although closely working with your favorite VMware partner can also get you extended evaluation periods for ESX anyways, this promotion is worth mentioning for companies that are considering implementing Blades in their data center. A Blade Center is an effective option for reducing your server sprawl without virtualization, and with the ability now to have up to 6 nics and 32 mb of ram in some blade servers makes implementing VI3 on blades a great decision.

Update and Auto Patch ESX

Posted on December 21st, 2007 in esx, how to, optimus solutions, patch, vmware by Rich

Even though VI 3.5 is now generally available you may not be ready to upgrade from version 3 just yet. You should, however, make sure all patches and updates are applied to your VI3 infrastructure. This post explains the upgrading and patching methods I have standardized on and provides some tips for avoiding common issues like HA agent configuration and auto applying numerous ESX patches. All scripts and files referenced are linked at the bottom of this post.

Prepare

Preparing for the upgrade and patching is critical to minimizing what can go wrong.

Upgrade Virtual Center

Use Microsoft subsidy $ before 2008 to migrate your servers to VI

Posted on November 27th, 2007 in P2V, microsoft, optimus solutions, partner, services, vi3 by Rich

Yep. It’s a shameless plug for my company. Regardless, I thought it was worth letting everyone know about these promotions from Microsoft before the year ended. Go crazy and implement a new server infrastructure on VI3 with your favorite solutions provider.

The following is from an email I received. I also have created a Promos page with this info.

Have you recently purchased Microsoft Office, SQL or Windows Server? If so, keep reading as you may have some free services to claim.