Section 8.7. VirtualCenterVmotion

8.7. VirtualCenterVmotion

VirtualCenter is a single console from which you can manage all your virtual machines on ESX Server. This tool is discussed in greater detail in Chapter 9, "Administering a Virtual Infrastructure."

This section's topic, though, is Vmotion, which is probably the coolest tool in the virtual infrastructure. What Vmotion does is allow you to move a running virtual machine from one physical ESX Server to another. The authors have been working with Vmotion since it was first available and when we move a running server from one physical box to another without any service interruption, we're still amazed. This tool theoretically allows for the 100-percent uptime of your virtual machines and the services they provide. If you plan to have an ESX Server environment with more than one ESX Server, this tool is an absolute must. Of course, the coolest tools are never free and neither is this one. Nevertheless, the price you pay is well worth it. Make sure VirtualCenter and Vmotion are included in your budget.