Virtualization for Dummies

by Bernard Golden

Virtualization has become a “megatrend”—and for good reason. Implementing virtualization allows for more efficient utilization of network server capacity, simpler storage administration, reduced energy costs, and better use of corporate capital. In other words: virtualization helps you save money, energy, and space. Not bad, huh?

If you’re thinking about “going virtual” but have the feeling everyone else in the world understands exactly what that means while you’re still virtually in the dark, take heart. Virtualization for Dummies gives you a thorough introduction to this hot topic and helps you evaluate if making the switch to a virtual environment is right for you.

This fun and friendly guide starts with a detailed overview of exactly what virtualization is and exactly how it works, and then takes you on a tour of the benefits of a virtualized environment, such as added space in overcrowded data centers, lower operations costs through more efficient infrastructure administration, and reduced energy costs through server consolidation.

Next, you’ll get step-by-step guidance on how to:

Perform a server virtualization cost versus benefit analysis Weigh server virtualization options Choose hardware for your server virtualization project Create a virtualized software environment Migrate to—and manage—your new virtualized environment

Whether you’re an IT manager looking to sell the idea to your boss, or just want to learn more about how to create, migrate to, and successfully manage a virtualized environment, Virtualization for Dummies is your go-to guide for virtually everything you need to know.

Genres: Technology

24 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2007

Reviews

[Kartik Subbarao]

This book provides a broad and comprehensive view of the complex world of virtualization. It covers a large amount of territory in 340 pages. All of the major virtualization technologies are discussed, along with the various drivers for implementing virtualization, and how to manage migrating to a virtualized computing environment.

What makes this book stand out from most other resources on the topic is its tone. You're helpfully guided through the issues and tradeoffs in making a number of decisions on the what, where, when and how of virtualization. This is extremely helpful for an IT manager who needs to come up to speed in a short period of time.

One challenge that this book has is acknowledged in the introduction: "Alas, virtualization's fevered evolution shows no signs of diminishing -- good for the virtualization user, challenging for the virtualization writer". Indeed, the technology has evolved so rapidly since the printing of this book that a second edition is probably already in order.

[Jose Manuel Lopez Lujan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite simple reading to understand virtualization. It summarizes everything you need to know in order to get a high level understanding of what it takes to virtualize, the various types of virtualization as well as the market leaders of this niche.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a bad quick summarization of virtualization...very high level....other end of spectrum from dabcc