Migration Expert Zone

In the first round of the virtualization revolution, it was big news to run more than one “server instance” or virtual machine (VM) on a single physical server.  Then several VMs became the norm.  Soon people were talking about average VM density being anywhere from eight to 24 or more.

Dell and Microsoft, working together, have just announced the availability of the Dell vStart 100m and vStart 200m.  vStart systems are designed to include everything you need--from servers to storage, networking, power, cabling, and rack--in a highly scalable architecture.

As you’ve no doubt already surmised, the vStart 100m can run up to 100 virtual machines and the 200m can run up to 200 VMs.  Both include Dell PowerConnect switches, PowerEdge servers, Dell EqualLogic storage arrays, and full licensing for Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 with Hyper-V.

An interesting licensing note: The vStart servers run on Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 DataCenter licenses, which grant unlimited virtualization rights. This will help allay the concerns of cost-conscious data center managers who worry about VM proliferation and attendant costs.

Early customers report that these pre-designed vStart systems are very easy to get up and running, and that the management integration is “superb.”  Management options include Dell’s Advanced Infrastructure Management (AIM) software, which complements and is already integrated with Microsoft System Center.

Value-added resellers (VARs) and systems integrators will also find these systems compelling, as they can leverage the all-inclusive Dell bundles and help their clients with deployment and management expertise.

For more insight into virtualization with Hyper-V, you may want to read the Hyper-V Cloud Fast Track Program white paper.