Virtualizate three server, 24x7 availables

[dacer]

Hi, I'm new to server virtualization. Well, tell what want to do.

We will set up a server where we want to virtualize more servers we have today. This server is on a rack in a data center that is not in our offices, so we will not have physical access once installed. We currently have 2 servers, both copies of windows 2008 server and 2003 server, running SQL Server instances besides each. We also have a linux machine for backups.

Our idea is to mount a server with 3 virtual servers. In one of them run windows 2008 server to a web server tasks. Another Windows 2008 server also for sql server, which is where the web server attack, and also be accessible to external clients to attack the sql server. Finally the third virtual server linux backup server via ftp.

At first, we indicated the possibility of installing a normal system, and on the run VMware Workstation or MS Hyper-V. But seeing the type machine that let's ride, I think it is more efficient type mount servers XenServer or VMware Server / ESX.

The advantage of VMware Workstation and Hyper-V, is that we have a base system installed on the server, access it with Terminarl Server and from there run the virtualized machines. The backup of these is based on copying the file in case of vmware workstation, export if hyper-v. I have experience on VMware Workstation, but we have used only with the intention of creating local systems where testing and not to externally accessible servers.

The type machine that we have sought, for example, chassis / barebone Asus R300-E7/PS4 indicates compatible with VmWare. I have seen the application ESXi, which I think is managed vSphere Hypervisor, but I think this is only capable of having a system booted at once. In my case I need the 3 systems always active. I think that with paid version VwMare VirtualCenter Server we can run more than one at same time.

Another option I think it's XenServer. I personally have never worked on this system I think it's similar to VMware ESXi, an installation on a hard base, and an external client who is in charge of facilities and maintenance.


Questions:

It is enough / suitable Ms Hyper-V and VMware Workstation?

Should be better for my needs VirtualCenter Server ESX + / XwnServer, that this is the backup management servers.

Thanks

[WebMaster]

Hi Dacer,

I would look at acquiring dual socket, multi-core CPU server with enough juice to run 3-5 VMs plus more if you want to.