As virtual machines become more ubiquitous both vendors and managers will need to focus on managing the utility infrastructure to get the most value for this technology. Innovative IT decision-makers should be using this technology to create more agile and cost-effective data center infrastructures.

Mainframe computers, in particular the IBM System z (360/370/390 family), have been a mainstay of enterprise computing for over 40 years. Now “lower-end” computers are truly moving into mainframe territory and System z shipments are fading – fast. Mainframes will continue to find a home in many enterprises, but will be relegated more to legacy applications than new business requirements.

With its recently updated System z, IBM continues to extend the mainframe capabilities to better support applications not normally associated with mainframes. The System z may be a consolidation option for mid-sized enterprises with Java, Linux, and transaction processing applications.

Recent revenue declines in some IBM server platforms and its licensing of rights to Lenovo to manufacture and resell certain x-Series servers has led to speculation that IBM is leaving the server hardware space. Info-Tech believes that off-loading the low-end market is a good move, allowing IBM to focus where it has traditionally done best – larger enterprises.

Blade servers are a recent phenomenon in data centers. They are the next iteration in the migration from minicomputers of the 1980s to the commodity rack-mount microcomputer servers of today. Blade servers are currently found in larger data centers, but are migrating to enterprises of all sizes.

Recent developments such as remotely accessed, centrally hosted, virtual PCs are breathing new life into thin client as a desktop computing option. While thin clients are still far from displacing traditional “fat” PCs, older approaches to thin client – such as traditional Citrix and Terminal Services solutions – are clearly being displaced.

The server operating system market is not a zero-sum game. Over 95% of enterprises with more than 500 employees use Microsoft Windows. Between 40% and 47% also run Linux, UNIX, or an IBM operating system (OS). As single-pane-of-glass management becomes a reality, expect IT shops to increasingly deploy diverse operating systems.

Server virtualization and iSCSI networked storage are emerging as a natural match particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) buying their first storage area network. Info-Tech recommends that enterprises considering a storage area network (SAN) purchase should consider broader strategic goals of availability, recoverability, and infrastructure flexibility. Virtualization is a likely...

Virtualization has definite potential for helping the enterprise reduce PC management complexity while increasing operating efficiency and security. Enterprises with large and growing desktop deployments should investigate the potential of hosting, streaming, and distributing virtualized software instances either separately or in combination.

A hypervisor is the software that carves a single physical computer into multiple virtual machines. As competition heats up in the virtualization space, competitors will argue the relative strengths of their hypervisors. This note reviews how a hypevisor works, as well as what differentiates the leading competitors: ESX Server, Xen, and the “coming soon” Microsoft Hyper-V.

Blade servers have been components of many larger enterprise data centers for several years now. Infrastructure simplification and the reduction in physical space for the same processing power make blade servers clear leaders for data center consolidation and expansion.

HP and IBM are pushing the blade technology as a main focus going forward. To this end both vendors are incorporating some leading-edge infrastructure virtualization and management tools in their blade server management platforms. Know the technology to understand the growing advantages of blade servers in the data center.

Cisco announced its Intelligent Information Network (IIN) some years ago. As a major part of that initiative, Application-Oriented Network (AON) components are beginning to see the light of day. IIN and AON move significantly more intelligence from middleware servers onto Cisco network devices. Depending on the level of trust an enterprise has in Cisco as a middleware and software integration...

Enterprise-class servers now come equipped with a service processor that allows IT staff to access, monitor, and control the server regardless of the state of the primary CPU and OS. Understand and make best use of this critical data center component.

Blade server technology has changed the physical structure of servers in the data center. For most management functions, blade servers are handled like their rack-mount brethren. However, built-in management modules provide local control of server blades and I/O modules. With a single point of control for a group of processor blades, management operations can be simplified.

Networked storage file virtualization can lead to better utilization of Network Attached Storage (NAS) appliances and other storage servers. This technology – which is also sometimes called NAS virtualization and File Area Networks (FANs) – will be attractive to larger enterprises with extensive NAS investment looking for a consolidation alternative to Storage Area Networks (SANs).

Virtualization and consolidation are moving enterprises towards more powerful machines and multi-socket multi-core x64-based servers provide the necessary processing power. HP’s new eight-socket ProLiantDL785 G5 offers needed computing power for consolidation and virtualization, with on-board storage for standalone solutions.

The VFrame Data Center appliance begins Cisco’s trip into integrated server and network infrastructure virtualization. The appliance allows the rapid repurposing of servers whether they are running virtualized or one-off applications. For larger data centers based on Cisco networking, the appliance provides enhanced server management capabilities.

Load balancing technologies have evolved from simple IP/port selection to sophisticated deep packet inspection. Use load balancing appliances for enterprise applications to improve application availability and scalability, reduce the number of servers required, and offer additional security and performance enhancements.

Load balancing technology has advanced from simple distribution of traffic between multiple servers to the intelligent inspection of packet data to determine which server should service which user. By creating persistent connections between a user and a server, the load balancers improve the ability of the enterprise to support clients and to ensure successful completion of transactions.

Leading virtualization vendors such as VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft want to offer one-stop virtualization “from the desktop to the data center.” These comprehensive approaches involve more than one kind of virtual abstraction. Understand what differentiates the various forms of virtualization.

As the number of servers grows within an enterprise, the time and effort needed to manage those servers grows even more rapidly. Server management tools provide automated capabilities to ease the pain of day-to-day provisioning, patching, and operational support. Understanding the functions offered by server management tools allows the IT staff to select the right tool for the job.

In an ideal storage management world, all storage beyond the network switch can be abstracted into logical storage volumes. However, in the real world, storage systems are differentiated by proprietary management. Despite concerns over vendor lock-in, IT decision makers should consider the real storage management benefits that can come from virtualization.

A storage area network (SAN) is a critical requirement for providing virtual servers with high availability and dynamic provisioning. However, the same technology that virtualizes servers can also be used to create a virtual SAN array. Smaller enterprises and branch office virtual machine deployment can reap significant savings from a virtual SAN.

Data center automation is a potent method for achieving the intelligent automation of IT tasks, such as configuration and asset management, policy management, and process automation. In order to capitalize on its benefits, approach data center automation as both a process and a technology.

Enterprises with an abundance of Windows XP desktop PCs and laptops can reduce power consumption costs and carbon dioxide emissions by half in switching to Windows Vista. When considering a total cost of ownership analysis for a Vista implementation, IT decision makers should understand how the two operating systems affect power consumption and consider the savings.

With the introduction of Windows Server 2008, Microsoft has improved its built-in failover cluster capabilities. With enhanced setup and management and improved reliability, the Server 2008 Enterprise and Data Center editions support mission-critical and high availability enterprise applications.

Info-Tech sees increased interest in thin client deployments as the technology that supports the back end evolves with virtualization. With more options than ever before, understanding the technology is essential to choosing the right solution to suit enterprise needs.

Blade servers are reaching into enterprise data centers of all sizes. The decision on when it is time to integrate blade servers into the infrastructure varies by the specific enterprise situation. Certain factors must be considered by all enterprises to determine when, and if, it is time for the data center to begin employing blade servers.

Automating configuration streamlines repetitive maintenance and support tasks, paving the way for substantial cost savings. Use this downloadable Word template to document the enterprise’s requirements of automated configuration software.

Learn to build a Green IT Action Plan by setting realistic goals and choosing projects that IT can perform autonomously. The resulting environmental benefits and cost savings help prove that more extensive projects are both feasible and necessary. Use this knowledge to promote cross-enterprise collaboration on leading green initiatives.

Automating configuration is a tactic for streamlining repetitive maintenance and support tasks, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention when provisioning, patching, or otherwise managing IT assets. Develop a strategy for tackling automated configuration management to capitalize on potential cost savings.

Automated reporting is a fundamental component of data center automation that ensures timely and accurate measurement of a wide variety of IT operations such as asset management, configuration, compliance, and other tasks. Inform business decisions and reduce costs by automating the enterprise’s reporting processes.

HP’s System Insight Manager provides comprehensive capabilities to monitor and control servers both locally and remotely. The Insight Control Environment for BladeSystem integrates the functions needed to manage the blade servers into a complete package. For shops using HP servers, the combined System Insight Manager and Insight Control packages provide a highly capable management toolset.

The IBM iSeries servers provide a high-performance, high-reliability solution for enterprise applications designed for the i5/OS environment. For enterprises using this platform, or considering it, the question becomes “what is the long term viability of the iSeries for new and future developments?”

Developments in thin client and virtualization have renewed interest in thin client as a replacement for PCs. Those looking into the technology should not make acquisition cost savings their reason for investing in thin client. Long-term maintenance and operational savings remain the most important planning consideration.

Falling price-points from e-mail hosting providers require enterprises to rethink e-mail provisioning strategy. Enterprises can make an informed decision by determining if hosted e-mail is an option and comparing the cost of in-house e-mail provisioning against hosted e-mail prices.

IT leaders deploying application servers may face a choice between operating systems. Evaluate the business suitability of operating system candidates by examining costs, the quality and availability of support, and the product’s rate of change.

IT leaders implementing best-of-breed application solutions often face a choice between server operating systems (OS) to support each service. Enterprises should evaluate the role suitability of OS candidates by examining the technical, licensing, and interoperability features. Determine whether each prospective OS meets these needs and short-list accordingly.

The consolidation of servers within the data center provides well defined savings for the enterprise. By creating and implementing a clearly defined migration strategy for existing servers, the effectiveness and efficiency of any consolidation strategy can be further enhanced.

Every enterprise has an obligation to protect customer data, financial information, and intellectual property from theft, deletion, or modification from hackers, saboteurs, and insiders. One important method for demonstrating that the enterprise did everything in its power to prevent or mitigate attacks is through the use of event logs.

Consolidating and virtualizing servers that were previously distributed means weaning internal customers off the idea of owning server boxes. Chargebacks and SLAs provide a solid framework for communicating and negotiating with business leaders, and managing expectations in a centralized data center model.

Virtualization of x86/x64 architecture is not a strategy; it is a tactical measure that addresses a specific impediment to achieve strategic goals in server consolidation. Virtual machine isolation enables more applications to run on fewer physical processors. In addition to savings in hardware acquisition and maintenance, virtualization sets the stage for building a responsive utility...

Almost a year after its initial release, many enterprises are still reluctant to take the Vista plunge. While security enhancements are the main reason for adoption, for most this upgrade appears to be an incremental improvement, rather than a “must have.” Enterprises embarking on a Vista migration should look to those companies that have already deployed for best practices, planning tips, and...

Blade servers are encroaching on rack-mount installations in data centers of all sizes. While this server platform meets many needs, it has not reached the point of replacing all other server types. Recognize the real limits of blade servers in specific environments to ensure that blades are used where appropriate and other servers are used where they best fit.

Blade servers are finding their way into enterprises of all sizes, with the smallest and the largest businesses leading the migration. The primary vendors of blade systems offer a variety of chassis, processors, input/output options and functionality. Selecting the right blade architecture can be difficult since many of the key product features appear similar between vendors. This comparison...

The Dell PowerEdge 1955 offers a low priced blade server solution with excellent pricing and reasonable scalability. The Dell PowerEdge 1955 is a solid choice for any enterprise that is searching for a server consolidation or high-availability blade server solution.

Egenera has focused on the high availability and mission-critical solutions in its marketing and product strategy. The BladeFrame ES only ships in a high availability configuration, unlike the other evaluated vendors. As a result, the BladeFrame ES should be considered by enterprises that require a highly versatile and powerful mission-critical blade server solution.

HP provides a well balanced blade server solution. The selection of processor blades, I/O options, and enhancements to the blade chassis allow migration from a basic server consolidation configuration to a fully mission-critical solution. Unlike the previous, incompatible p-Class blade design, the new c-Class chassis provides room for future growth without a fork-lift upgrade. With reasonable...

IBM provides a well balanced blade server solution. The same chassis and processor blades can be used for both the entry level server consolidation solution and, with optional components, migrate to a fully mission critical or high performance processing environment. The IBM BladeCenter ranks in the Leader Zone for good reason.

The Sun Blade 8000 product is heavily focused on high performance computing environments with pricing to match. While this current product is not appropriate for most SMEs it can be a good fit for environments where there is a need for very high performance computing.

Use this tool to do a head-to-head comparison of both direct and indirect costs to see whether moving to blades will meet the vendor marketing hype for cost savings.

With the wide range of proprietary blade servers available, it can be difficult to decide on a vendor and a platform. The newest offerings from the major server vendors have leveled the playing field while improving the options for the enterprise. By focusing on key requirements, the enterprise can narrow the field quickly.

Whether you’re buying a packaged desktop management solution or one that requires customization, an RFP is a key weapon in your solution selection arsenal. Use this editable RFP template to complete the process.

Blade server costs continue to become more competitive when compared with similar rack-mount servers. Do a head-to-head comparison of both direct and indirect costs to see whether moving to blades will meet the vendor marketing hype for direct savings.

Many enterprises are investigating e-mail archiving solutions. Before speaking to vendors, use this note to help identify business drivers and build an implementation strategy. Then approach vendors that offer product features tailored to meet the goals of the enterprise.

IT departments must adopt desktop management software as a means of increasing efficiency and cutting costs. These guidelines, coupled with the Desktop Management Software RFP Template, will ensure that the software selection process progresses smoothly toward an optimal result.

The major server vendors offer a wide variety of mid-range x64-based servers. The hardware options, prices and functionality are similar and are rarely differentiators for the small to mid-sized enterprise (SME). Select a mid-range server based on the few differentiators between the vendors such as support, existing relationships, and management functions.

Mid-range servers, using multi-core x64-based processors, provide the performance and functionality for the majority of enterprise applications. Because these servers are based on industry standard technologies, the differentiation between vendor products is minimal. As a result, enterprises should select a vendor and product based heavily on local support capabilities, price and on-going...

The Linux world was rocked recently with the news that software giant Oracle is now also offering support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux server OS, and at a lower price than Red Hat. While rumors suggesting that Oracle’s foray into this market will spell the end for Red Hat are over-exaggerated, Oracle does offer a viable alternative. Carefully examine the options before selecting a support vendor...

Enterprises running Linux in the data center – particularly those using Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) – will want to reevaluate their licensing and support options in light of the new offerings from Oracle. This tool provides key information to help IT leaders make the right choice.

Enterprises must evaluate whether it makes more financial sense to purchase an extended service plan on x86 server hardware or to pay per incident for hardware service. Use the accompanying worksheet to determine the point at which the enterprise should pay for expedited service.

Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is enjoying widespread adoption including significant presence in the largest enterprises on IBM mainframes. Novell is positioned to offer enterprise-wide support from the server room to the desktop. Enterprises looking for the best tool for the job should evaluate Novell SUSE Enterprise Linux.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is carving out market space in enterprises of all sizes, especially the mid-market. RHEL customers say the operating system excels at supporting enterprise-grade and mission-critical Web applications, network infrastructure, and clustering. Enterprises looking for the best tool for the job should evaluate Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

The wide variety of highly capable blade servers from top vendors makes selecting the right blade server more challenging. Balance acquisition, management, support, and energy costs with specific business requirements to select the right blade server for enterprise data center requirements.

Microsoft Exchange is the clear leader in the on-premises e-mail server market. But, competitors provide advantages in simplicity, price, functionality, and hardware requirements. Evaluate vendors discussed in this note when considering e-mail server greenfield deployments, replacements, and even Exchange deployment expansions.

VMware is currently the 800-pound gorilla of virtualization for x86 server infrastructure. For due diligence in virtualization spending, decision makers need to know why VMware is currently a leader, who the potential rivals are, and how the situation is likely to change going forward. This note maps the current landscape for virtual server software and includes Microsoft, Virtual Iron, VMware,...