VMware Infrastructure Management

Backing up VMware host servers and guest OSes from searchVMware.com

FAQ: Creating a VMware disaster recovery plan

Tip -A VMware disaster recovery plan reduces downtime and ensures that vital data is safe. But it involves several technical and political considerations as well as the right DR tools.
VMware disaster recovery strategy for small environments

Tip -Developing a VMware disaster recovery strategy for a small environment means understanding your backup needs. It also changes things if you have more than one site.
VMware snapshots explained

Tutorial -VMware snapshots are a lifesaver. If things go wrong, VMware snapshots can restore a VM back to normal. But if they’re managed poorly, virtualization performance may suffer.

VMware storage management in vSphere 5: VSA, VMFS and VASA

Tip -VMware vSphere 5 storage enhancements include the vSphere Storage Appliance, expansion of the file system and increased integration with VMware-Aware Storage APIs.
Virtualizing vCenter Server: Worth the effort?

Tip -There are strong cases for and against virtualizing vCenter Server. In this face-off, two experts argue over which method better reduces downtime and is easier to manage.
VMware vSphere 5 demo: Storage DRS and more

Video -Expert Brian Knudtson demos VMware vSphere 5, including Storage DRS and the vCenter Server Appliance.

VMware backup FAQ

Feature -VMware Consolidated Backup is out, but VDR and other third-party backup apps are in. Which VMware VM backup tools can best prevent data loss in your environment?
What is VMware Consolidated Backup?

Misc -What is VMware Consolidated Backup? Simply put, VCB is a backup framework that offloads virtual machine backup off the ESX Server.
Using VMware Consolidated Backup: Considerations and admin tips

Tutorial -This resource guide on VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) provides tips, articles and information on VCB configuration, considerations and training.

Improving Exchange 2010 uptime with virtualization and HA features

Tip -There are numerous features you can use -- some native to Exchange 2010 and some included in virtualization platforms -- to improve uptime and optimize performance. Consider these six areas.
Building a remote VMware disaster recovery site

Tip -Constructing a remote VMware disaster recovery site ensures that your business stays running after a disaster. But without proper planning, you’ll waste a lot of time and money.
Understanding VMware High Availability updates in vSphere 5

Tip -VMware High Availability underwent a major overhaul in vSphere 5, and now includes simpler installation, interface enhancements and improved heartbeat monitoring.

VMware vSphere 5 demo: Storage DRS and more

Video -Expert Brian Knudtson demos VMware vSphere 5, including Storage DRS and the vCenter Server Appliance.
VMware storage options and Storage vMotion: A guide

Tutorial -VMware storage options include VMFS, thin provisioning, NFS and block-level storage. Virtualization storage features such as VMware Storage vMotion also help protect VM data.
VMware vMotion: A complete guide

Tutorial -With VMware vMotion, you can migrate VMs between physical hosts without downtime. VMware vMotion helps you address maintenance needs, load balancing and resource allocation.