VMware Management

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.
Five vSphere 5 features that flew under the radarTip - Storage DRS wasn’t a secret. But there are lesser-known vSphere 5 features that may greatly affect your VMware infrastructure, such as VMFS 5, SplitRx Mode and Metro vMotion.
VMware vSphere Replication breaks disaster recovery storage barriersTip - VSphere Replication eliminates expensive disaster recovery storage requirements. SMBs no longer have to be jealous of enterprises’ DR plans.

VMware performance enhancements from searchVMware.com

VMware pros glean vSphere roadmap from CTO in VMUG videos

News -VMware customers hope that vSphere virtualization products will soon have more automation and integration.
VMware SSD updates: Making a solid case for local ESXi storage

Tip -Solid-state storage is beginning to make a splash in data centers, and there are a handful of VMware SSD use cases for that can improve ESXi host performance.
HotLink SuperVISOR offers multi-hypervisor management through vCenter

News -For newly mixed hypervisor shops, HotLink SuperVISOR lets operations teams use the VMware vCenter management stack they already know and love.

Installing the vSphere Web Client for browser-based VMware management

Tip -Break free from the Windows ball and chain, and install the vSphere Web Client for browser-based VMware management. It’s great for admins who are constantly on the go.
VMware vSphere Web Client: Browsing the features

Tip -The vSphere Web Client includes most features found in the traditional vSphere Client with the added advantage of allowing admins to work from any location or operating system.
VMware management with vSphere Client for iPad

Tip -With the vSphere Client for iPad, you can break your desk chains and perform VMware management tasks from virtually anywhere.

Replacing self-signed SSL certificates to improve ESXi security

Tip -VMware’s default, self-signed SSL certificates ensure data encryption. By importing certificates from trusted, third-parties, however, you can improve ESXi security even further.
VMware Lab Manager

Definition -VMware Lab Manager is a software development and testing tool that enables designers and engineers to pool network and storage resources... (Continued)
Getting started with VMware Orchestrator

Tip -VMware Orchestrator automation and plug-ins make some parts of an admin’s job easier, but there is a steep learning curve to move beyond built-in workflows.

Advanced ESXi troubleshooting with Tech Support Mode

Tip -With Tech Support Mode enabled, you can use advanced VMware troubleshooting commands to diagnose and resolve ESXi host problems when the vSphere Client won’t do.
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.
ESXi console tech support mode: When the vSphere Client isn’t enough

Tip -The ESXi console and its tech support mode can solve many issues that the vSphere Client can’t. Once enabled, you have the power of the Linux command line at your disposal.

Replacing self-signed SSL certificates to improve ESXi security

Tip -VMware’s default, self-signed SSL certificates ensure data encryption. By importing certificates from trusted, third-parties, however, you can improve ESXi security even further.
VMware source code leak: The implications

Podcast -While the extent of the VMware source code is still in question, that hasn’t stopped IT shops from wondering about the potential fallout.
Selecting the right storage configuration for Site Recovery Manager

Tip -Crafting a comprehensive DR plan with VMware Site Recovery Plan is no easy feat. It involves choosing a storage configuration, replication technology and recovery time objective.

VMware vCenter Converter: V2V and P2V migrations made easy

Tip -VMware vCenter Converter Standalone is a free tool that shops can use to import VMs from other virtualization platforms into vSphere or perform a hassle-free P2V migration.
Using VMware Fusion for Mac to get more from your Windows VM

Tip -VMware Fusion for Mac is a boon for IT pros that work with various OSes. VMware Fusion 4, in particular, can create snapshots and allow a Windows VM to use built-in Mac devices.
VMware ThinApp deep dive: Deployed vs. streaming execution modes

Tip -If you’re using VMware ThinApp for application virtualization, you should know the difference between its deployed and streaming execution modes.