VMware VI3 Implementation and Administration

"With this book, Eric has created a roadmap through the intricacies of VMware Infrastructure 3. From initial requirements gathering to advanced configuration topics, the logical progression of the chapters allows readers to jump in at whatever point makes the most sense in their own environment. Beginners and veterans alike will find themselves using it as both a guide and a reference."--Mark Chandler, Infrastructure Engineer Principal, VMware Certified Professional and vExpert 2009 "Through his work at Boston Market, his involvement as a community moderator on the VMTN forums, his management of his own vmware-land.com website, and his active blogging, Eric Siebert has established himself as an expert in the field of virtualization. In this book, he shares his knowledge of VMware virtualization in a manner that will benefit the novice and the expert alike."--Ken Cline, Technical Director, Virtualization, Wells Landers The Definitive Guide to Planning, Implementing, Securing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting VMware Virtual Infrastructure 3This is the most comprehensive guide to planning for, implementing, securing, maintaining, monitoring, and troubleshooting VMware VI3 in any IT environment. Written by Eric Siebert, a veteran VMware system administrator and one of only 300 vExperts named by VMware in 2009, this book will help IT professionals make the best possible decisions about VMware every step of the way. Siebert presents extensive coverage of the upfront planning and architectural tasks that can make or break VMware deployments, sharing practical insights you'll never find in the official documentation. Next, he presents dozens of tips, tricks, and best practices for everything from migration and configuration to backup. Along the way, Siebert introduces advanced techniques for optimizing both the efficiency of VMware system administration and the effectiveness of VMware virtual environments. Coverage includes Understanding your current infrastructure--and all the ways virtualization will change itBuilding VI3 environments for maximum reliability and performance Choosing the right software, servers, storage, and network infrastructure Constructing your virtualized environmentConfiguring virtual networking, storage, and resources to maximize host and guest performanceSystematically securing hosts, VMs, networks, and vCenter ServersMastering best practices for populating virtual environments, including P2V migration, templating, and the use of ISO filesMonitoring your virtual environment, analyzing metrics, and proactively eliminating bottlenecks Applying patches to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities without introducing problems caused by unexpected dependencies Troubleshooting virtual environments: identifying and resolving specific problems, one step at a time Improving administration with snapshots, scripting, and other advanced techniques VMware VI3 Implementation and Administration is an invaluable guide for every professional working with VMware, including architects designing virtual infrastructures, as well as managers and administrators who must implement and support them. Foreword ixIntroduction 1Chapter 1 Assessing Your Current Environment 3Chapter 2 Planning Your Virtual Environment 25Chapter 3 Building Your Virtual Environment 75Chapter 4 Configuring Your Virtual Environment 119Chapter 5 Securing Your Virtual Environment 219Chapter 6 Populating Your Virtual Environment 263Chapter 7 Monitoring Your Virtual Environment 335Chapter 8 Maintaining Your Virtual Environment 365Chapter 9 Backing Up Your Virtual Environment 399Chapter 10 Troubleshooting Your Virtual Environment 409Chapter 11 Advanced Topics 435Index 467