Deploying a Virtualization Solution Is Never a Quick Fix for Other Problems
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During
a recent presentation, Gartner analyst Thomas Bittman stated, "There will be
more VMs [virtual machines] deployed during 2011 than in 2001 to 2009, combined."
Bittman warned that when deploying virtualization, an approach that is "too cold"
won't achieve potential savings, while an approach that is "too hot" will lead
to virtual server sprawl, along with cost overruns and breakdowns.
Simply
put, virtual server sprawl will become one of the biggest management issues for
modern IT departments. Bittman added that management is the key to maximizing any
virtualization deployment within an enterprise data center.
Srinivas
Ramanathan, CEO of eG Innovations, which develops virtualization management
software, agreed. He said, "You can quickly negate any savings if you don't measure
and manage virtual environments properly."
The
main point of all this is that IT administrators have to show where the savings
are. The department must be able to measure those savings, and that requires a
management approach that incorporates the ability to monitor and effect change
at every level of a virtualization deployment.
That
means IT departments must be able to quantify loads, capacities, demands and
usage, as well as track trends for those elements. The problem, according to Ramanathan,
is that most of the management tools included with virtualization products lack
critical capabilities, meaning that those seeking holistic management must turn
to third-party solutions.
"Management
is even trickier in some cases," said Ed Laczynski, vice president of
cloud strategy and architecture at managed services provider Datapipe. "You
are introducing a completely new layer. This is where we think virtualization
as a service and infrastructure as a service works for enterprises that don't want
to focus on undifferentiated technical chores."
Effective
management is critical for IT departments that have to show a decent return on
the company's investment in the technology.
Frank J. Ohlhorst is the Executive Technology Editor for eWeek Channel Insider and brings with him over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field.He began his career as a network administrator and applications program in the private sector for two years before joining a computer consulting firm as a programmer analyst. In 1988 Frank founded a computer consulting company, which specialized in network design, implementation, and support, along with custom accounting applications developed in a variety of programming languages.In 1991, Frank took a position with the United States Department of Energy as a Network Manager for multiple DOE Area Offices with locations at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPL), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), FermiLAB and the Ames Area Office (AMESAO). FrankÃÃÃs duties included managing the site networks, associated staff and the inter-network links between the area offices. He also served at the Computer Security Officer (CSO) for multiple DOE sites. Frank joined CMP TechnologyÃÃÃs Channel group in 1999 as a Technical Editor assigned to the CRN Test Center, within a year, Frank became the Senior Technical Editor, and was responsible for designing product testing methodologies, assigning product reviews, roundups and bakeoffs to the CRN Test Center staff.In 2003, Frank was named Technology Editor of CRN. In that capacity, he ensured that CRN maintained a clearer focus on technology and increased the integration of the Test CenterÃÃÃs review content into both CRNÃÃÃs print and web properties. He also contributed to NetseminarÃÃÃs, hosted sessions at CMPÃÃÃs Xchange Channel trade shows and helped to develop new methods of content delivery, Such as CRN-TV.In September of 2004, Frank became the Director of the CRN Test Center and was charged with increasing the Test CenterÃÃÃs contributions to CMPÃÃÃs Channel Web online presence and CMPÃÃÃs latest monthly publication, Digital Connect, a magazine geared towards the home integrator. He also continued to contribute to CMPÃÃÃs Netseminar series, Xchange events, industry conferences and CRN-TV.In January of 2007, CMP Launched CRNtech, a monthly publication focused on technology for the channel, with a mailed audience of 70,000 qualified readers. Frank was instrumental in the development and design of CRNTech and was the editorial director of the publication as well as its primary contributor. He also maintained the edit calendar, and hosted quarterly CRNTech Live events.In June 2007, Frank was named Senior Technology Analyst and became responsible for the technical focus and edit calendars of all the Channel GroupÃÃÃs publications, including CRN, CRNTech, and VARBusiness, along with the Channel GroupÃÃÃs specialized publications Solutions Inc., Government VAR, TechBuilder and various custom publications. Frank joined Ziff Davis Enterprise in September of 2007 and focuses on creating editorial content geared towards the purveyors of Information Technology products and services. Frank writes comparative reviews, channel analysis pieces and participates in many of Ziff Davis EnterpriseÃÃÃs tradeshows and webinars. He has received several awards for his writing and editing, including back to back best review of the year awards, and a presidentÃÃÃs award for CRN-TV. Frank speaks at many industry conferences, is a contributor to several IT Books, holds several records for online hits and has several industry certifications, including NovellÃÃÃs CNE, MicrosoftÃÃÃs MCP.Frank can be reached at frank.ohlhorst@ziffdavisenterprise.com
