Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Hi Guys,

I need to create two domains (one with 2 servers and the other with 4) in a test environment.

At the moment we are using 6 crap spec'd clone PCs, but they are running like dogs.

I'd like to get one reasonable server and ideally virtualise the 2 domains/6 servers.

Is VMWare the product to do this?
I've had a look on their website, but which product would do this?
Anything else I need to consider in this sort of set up?

Cheers
Andy

Ian Cook

You need VMWare ESX mate, runs directly on the hardware not another operating system.

Not cheap but will do what you want easily, and more besides !

Hanley

You're going to need a pretty chunky box in terms of memory and cpu power.

I would use GSX but I think that may have been replaced by VMWare Server, don't quote me though

Anything above that you'll be looking at ESX Server which is pretty expensive!!!

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for your help guys.

How expensive, is expensive for ESX?
What sort of hardware would I realisically need? (Bearing in mind the current PCs are 600MHz-1GHz, with anything from 256MB to 1GB)

I guess the advantage is that we can suffer "some" performance and running issues, as it's only a test environment, rather than production.

I'll investigate Server which looks like a replacement for GSX.

Ian Cook

Server will be ok Andy, but you need a lot of memory in there for your environment, at least 6 or 8gb, remember that VM's do not need the same amount of memory as a physical server ! i normally allow 512 mb for a server ! Dont forget also that you will require a lot of disk storage for the vm's !

LostUser

You could always try Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2. It's not quite as advanced as VMWare but will do what you want and is free.

Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2

Andy Tang

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for your help guys. Basically, my boss has ok'd getting more PC's and more memory, rather than buy a server and software!!

I'll have a look at the Microsoft offering, I have to be pro-MS as we will be a Gold Partner soon!

Ian Cook

VMWare server is free as well, GSX isnt/wasnt though !

Hanley

I'd stick to VMWare Serve if I was you

Ian Cook

So would i