I need to find out if it possible to create virtual storage from a local hdd in the following set up.

I have an HP ML115 server running 64bit Win2k3r2 Enterprise SP3 with 8gb ram and 1tb of local storage. On this I have installed VMworkstation and created 2 ESX 3.5 servers and a Win2k3 domain controller. So far everything is working fine and have virtual centre 2.5 and vmconverter installed and running on the virtual domain controller for the time being. However I have given each ESX server only enough storage to run its OS, 8gb each as I don't want vm's stored locally on each ESX server.

I now want to create storage that both ESX servers can use for vms so basically virtual SAN storage using part of the 1tb local sata drive. Is this possible to do by way of a shared vmdk presented to both ESX servers or some other way? This is the last part of my setup I need to do and it's the one bit I don't know how to do

 

OK as an alternative has anyone used FREENAS? I could run this as a vm and boot it up before I boot up the virtual esx servers.

 

Yep certainly not easy doing setups with local disks in esx and all based on having a nice expensive san to hand. Also found this appliance iSCSI Virtual SAN | Virtual Appliance Marketplace but thinking the freenas option will be my first option and see how that goes. Not played with appliances yet so will look into this after trying freenas.

I need a local disk partioned up so I can use a partition as virtual san storage so I can implement DRS and HA on my esx cluster. Also I can then start having microsoft clusters running. I've never got cluster in a box working previously so this should hopefully sort that out.

 

Hi Steve, I just registered to get it and can't find a link for it - typical

 

Have found this though:

Openfiler — Openfiler - Open Source Storage Management Appliance

and has various version for download including a vmware appliance version.

 

In the end I used Stormagic's SvSan. It is bloody superb! A virtual san by creating vmdk's on local disk space and presenting them to the ESX servers using iscsi as if they were san storage. Very impressive

StorMagic ::: SvSAN

I will also add the communications/support queries i've had with the staff at the company have been helpful and friendly and it's all been free!