OK, this virtual server has been on massive learning curve - first I was not even sure that I wanted a virtual server, all I was really after was a way to test out exchange 2007 (as well as a few other things, such as SBS environments).
From here, it has dissolved into a massive project, that I suspected it would, but was in no way prepared for the sheer scale of it.
So, here are some points that I have learnt which will hopefully save time for someone else out there;
- Exchange 2007 requires a 64bit processor, MS Virtual Server 2005 does not support 64bit OSes (!)
- VMWare Server is free! and supports x64. I preferred MS VS in the beginning, but quickly adapted due to necessity.
- VMWare ESX is not so free, but the demo version is well worth installing.
- When using the demo of ESX, you may receive the following error when trying to use the VMWare VirtualCenter "there are not enough licenses installed to perform the operation", to resolve this, simply combine the consolidated.lic and vcms.lic files into one file, and get the license server using that lic file. This may have been written somewhere better than my tiny blog, but it is here now!
- MS Virtual Server servers can be imported into VMWare ESX using the VMWare converter (as can running machines) -> http://www.vmware.com/download/converter/
- HP have a VMWare Sizing Guide here -> http://www27.compaq.com/SB/VMware/UI/index.aspx <- to use this effectively, configure perfmon on your server to get the relevant items (processor time, RAM usage, Disk IO / Second, Network Bytes / Second
- HP also have a Configuration service here, which builds servers with VMWare ESX Included -> http://www.hp.com.au/products/configureaider
I am now a virtual server convert, and have recommended it to one of my customers for a network rebuild - they were going to spend large amounts on a rebuild anyway, so why not explore every possibility.
It really started with my virtual server, but also a meeting with another company in the city here that offered hosted virtual servers - sure, their virtual servers are on multi-redundant links and million dollar hardware, but investing $70k can provide similar benefits to a small business...
I will detail this as I go, if for no other reason than a breadcrumb trail to find my way back out again!
Kieran
Help site launched
I have been considering writing a help site for a long time now - answering the same question multiple times is no fun at all, but ironically, it was laziness that stopped me from creating one!
So, it is now online and filled with 1 whole guide, a simple problem with a simple solution, but also illustrated.
http://www.block.net.au/help/smtp-greeting
This site is effectively a mirror of my commercial site, albeit with less content and none of the commercial pushyness.
I am intending on writing at least 1 guide per week - even if it is for something simple - and now that I have the shell, it should require less motivation to do so.
Coming up with an idea for a guide is not so simple, so feel free to email me through any ideas you have ;)
Kieran