Site Recovery Manager from VMware leverages site-to-site SAN replication to provide a means for automating off-site disaster recovery of virtual machine infrastructures. Optimization benefits of Site Recovery Manager include:

• Builds on the strengths of virtual machines in disaster recovery (DR). Unlike a completely physical server infrastructure, virtual machine infrastructure does not require identical hardware to be kept on standby at a remote site. Site Recovery Manager builds on the portability and flexibility of virtual machines by automating the processes of failing over a virtual infrastructure from one location to another.
• Automates site recovery to DR specifications. Due to varying complexities, criticalities, and dependencies, Disaster Recovery Plans (DRPs) will likely require a specific recovery order for virtual servers. Some servers may have to be restored right away while other low priority applications may not need to be started at all in a disaster. With Site Recovery Manager a detailed start up sequence can be automated and initiated when disaster strikes.
• Allows for low-impact DR testing. Developing off-site recovery plans can include live testing of recovery operations. Site Recovery Manager provides a means of testing the DRP by having the infrastructure from the primary site start up at the remote site according to the DRP in a non-disruptive test mode. The enterprise doesn't have to wait for an actual disaster to make sure their plans work.

VMware managers looking into Site Recovery Manager should look closely at the site-to-site replication capabilities of their storage infrastructure. Also, it is important to note that Site Recovery Manager is a hot site recovery option. Many enterprises may not have the facilities or budget to manage a second data processing site.