How to Save Time Installing vSphere 4.1
Installing VMware vSphere 4.1 is a complex process; you'll want to do what you can to make the installation go more smoothly. To make your life a bit easier, while preparing to install vSphere, use this handy checklist to save time and effort:
Shared storage: vSphere requires shared storage for functionality such as vMotion and HA. Make sure that each ESX host being deployed in a cluster has access to all the datastores assigned to the ESX cluster.
Networking: Connecting vSphere to your network is a lot like connecting an additional network switch. Confirm that the appropriate VLANs are associated with each ESX host's network connections and that VLAN tagging has been enabled accordingly.
Hardware compatibility: Check VMware's Hardware Compatibility List on its Web site prior to beginning installation. vSphere is pickier about its underlying hardware than traditional operating systems like Windows and Linux.
vSphere licensing: Although vSphere will run for a month or two using the built-in evaluation licenses, it's important to have your permanent licenses handy. Get those licenses installed before you forget and end up with virtual machines that refuse to start.
Cloud Computing Glossary
cloud computing
A networking solution in which everything — from computing power to computing infrastructure, applications, business processes to personal collaboration — is delivered as a service wherever and whenever you need.
Cloud Computing Glossary
cloud service
The delivery of software, infrastructure, or storage that has been packaged so it can be automated and delivered to customers in a consistent and repeatable manner.
Cloud Computing Glossary
deprovision
The release of cloud services that are no longer needed.
Cloud Computing Glossary
federating
Linking distributed resources together over the cloud.
Cloud Computing Glossary
hypervisor
An operating system that acts as a traffic cop, managing the various virtualization tasks in the cloud to ensure that they make things happen in an orderly manner.
Cloud Computing Glossary
multi-tenancy
The sharing of underlying resources by multiple companies over a cloud.
Cloud Computing Glossary
network attached store
Storage that has its own network address through which it is accessed by the network's workstation users. Acronym: NAS
Cloud Computing Glossary
service level agreement
A contract that stipulates the type of service you need from providers and what type of penalties would result from an unexpected business interruption. Acronym: SLA
Cloud Computing Glossary
solution stack
An integrated set of software that provides everything a developer needs to build an application.
Cloud Computing Glossary
storage area network
A storage systems that is flexible and scalable because it's available to multiple hosts at the same time. Acronym: SAN
Cloud Computing Glossary
vertical industry groups
Workgroups comprised of members from a particular industry such as technology and retail.
Cloud Computing Glossary
virtual memory
The portion of your hard drive that Windows uses to expand the available RAM
Cloud Computing Glossary
virtualization
Using computer resources to imitate other computer resources or whole computers to maximize performance and flexibility.
