Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of tscd
tscd

asked on

Need advice for new purchase, incl. shared storage, and servers for a new Virtualization project

I am working on putting a plan together to purchase/lease new hardware for an upcoming server virtualization project.  This will include at least 2 servers, MS Windows 2003 x64 Enterprise, and shared storage.  I currently have 8 physical servers that I am attempting to virtualize as best as possible.

Medium to Heavy use (I'm probably overestimating by saying heavy)
1.  Terminal services server that about 75 people login to, to run a custom Cobol application.
2.  ImageRight server which contains 500gb+ of small image files, a 30gb SQL database, and 150-200gb of various files.

Light:
1. VM Server housing one domain controller, one print server, two application servers (1 is Desktop Authority, the other 1 is a minor application).
2. VM Server housing one domain controller
3. Application server housing 60gb SQL database server
4. Facsys fax server
5. Backup server connected to VTL and tape device
6. Application server housing 100 user My Documents, and a few other minor applications

Virtual Iron is the front runner for virtualization software, simply because it is the best performing, and is much less expensive, when compared to VMware.

I've done some researching on hardware, but didn't want to mention it here, as I don't want to push anyone in one direction or another.

Here's what I'd like suggestions on:
1. Server hardware
2. Shared storage
3. Any misc. tips/tricks regarding my situation.

Thank you all in advance.
Avatar of tscd
tscd

ASKER

Anyone at all?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of kkrans
kkrans
Flag of Sweden image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
SOLUTION
Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
SOLUTION
Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Avatar of tscd

ASKER

Thanks fellas.  Yes, I am hoping someone can share their experience with me on a similar project, and perhaps that'll help me out.
I have been involved in quite some projects like that. There is hardly any receipe how. Too may factors depend on too many variables...

Some specific details thou.

Currently I like Sun X4x00 (x64) series of servers as exellent performance for the buck.
Falconstor or BakBone Netvault as a VTL
SUN (LSI) 6000 or 2500 series of storage with good service contract

Start from there and use vendors help to size your solution to fit your wallet.

Good luck!
Forced accept.

Computer101
EE Admin