About This Book

According to Gartner, Inc., enterprises that do not capitalize on server virtualization will spend 25 percent more annually for hardware, software, labor, and space for Intel-based servers.

The goal of this book is to provide you with a thorough understanding of the VMware ESX Server. The target audience includes IT professionals who manage sprawling physical server environments and IT leaders looking to better leverage this technology. Whether you are an IT manager, an administrator, or a student studying to pass the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) exam, this comprehensive guide will take you from the basics to advanced topics and answer important questions such as:

• What are your goals and strategies for virtualization?

• How do you develop a detailed plan identifying target servers for physical-to-virtual migrations?

• How should your architecture leverage server virtualization technologies?

• What are the best practice design options for mitigating the risks of running multiple applications on one server?

• How and when should you consider new processes or automated procedures for effective server provisioning and management?

• What licensing issues need to be considered, and how might they affect chargeback strategies?

Advanced topics include virtual networking and operational tools, along with best practices for developing your project methodology for the evolution of your virtual infrastructure.