Reaching for the Tools to Handle Virtual Server Sprawl

Abstract

Controlling virtual server sprawl is mostly about management and procedures, but software helps, especially in larger installations. The tools on offer vary across the big three platform suppliers, and can be supplemented with third-party products.

Table of Contents

• Executive summary
• In a nutshell
• Ovum view
• Beware the blinkers on physical management software
• Integration with virtualisation platforms is a work in progress
• Mobility blinds physical tools
• What to look for in virtual server management software
• Why buy more software?
• General requirements
• Some basic needs
• Automatic management
• Four fundamental functions for sprawl management
• Capacity planning
• Lifecycle management
• Patch management
• Chargeback
• The big three, in four fundamental functions
• A snapshot of four functions in Citrix, VMware and Microsoft' s tool suites
• Citrix
• Support for Microsoft and Citrix hypervisors, at low prices
• Capacity planning
• Lifecycle management
• Chargeback
• Patch management
• VMware
• A big VMware-only stack
• Capacity planning
• Patch management
• Lifecycle management
• Chargeback
• Microsoft
• Support for Microsoft and VMware hypervisors now, Citrix later
• Capacity planning
• Lifecycle management
• Patch management
• Chargeback
• Third-party suppliers
• Embotics for a wider definition of lifecycle management
• Lifecycle management
• Chargeback
• PlateSpin for capacity planning and lifecycle management
• Capacity planning
• Chargeback
• Vizioncore for lifecycle management, capacity planning and chargeback
• Lifecycle management
• Capacity planning
• Chargeback
• vKernel for capacity planning and chargeback
• Capacity planning
• Chargeback

List of Tables

• Table 1: A comparison of virtual server management tools