Has anyone virtualized SBS 2008 using ESXi?
I'd like to provide this solution to a client and I'd like to hear some real world experiences.
Also, what do you use for backup of your VM's?
Thanks,
Fred
Also, what do you use for backup of your VM's?
Thanks,
Fred
I can run ESXi on a couple of our boxes, but only the host is 64-bit. All guests are 32-bit. (No Intel VT).
So, I'm considering running SBS2008 as the host. I'll dodge the arrows and admonitions...but has anyone else tried it?
So, I'm considering running SBS2008 as the host. I'll dodge the arrows and admonitions...but has anyone else tried it?
you can't run sbs2008 as the host for ESXi. VMWare Server perhaps but I wouldn't recommend vmware server on a domain controller. If you're running sbs 2008 with exchange 2007 you will only have the capability to run on physical hardware with EMT64 unless it has Intel VT. Every customer that has tried running vmware server on a domain controller has experienced once issue or another with DNS, etc..
That's what I meant...host for VMWare Server.
Yes...I've heard it's a bad idea to run VMWare on a DC...but it's OK to run a DC on VMWare.
Yes...I've heard it's a bad idea to run VMWare on a DC...but it's OK to run a DC on VMWare.
yes, it's ok to run a DC on VMWare. The only issues occur when you have multiple DCs and you convert one to virtual. If you're standing up a brand new DC in a virtual environment it's ok.
ASKER
Hey, This has gotten off topic from my question!!!
Questions: : Can it be done with ESXi and if so, what do I need to get in terms of software?
Here's the environment I'd like to set up: :
1 - Hardware DC
1- Dell 2950 64bit system running: SBS 2008 & Windows Server 2008 in VM's.
1 - Hardware Server 2003 for storage of VM Backups for quick restore from disk.
Thanks in Advance,
Fred
Questions: : Can it be done with ESXi and if so, what do I need to get in terms of software?
Here's the environment I'd like to set up: :
1 - Hardware DC
1- Dell 2950 64bit system running: SBS 2008 & Windows Server 2008 in VM's.
1 - Hardware Server 2003 for storage of VM Backups for quick restore from disk.
Thanks in Advance,
Fred
>Hey, This has gotten off topic from my question!!!
Sorry. I thought it was answered in the very first post. Yes.
Real-world experience: none. Still in discovery phase.
Backup software: Acronis True Image Enterprise Server. Investigating their new Exchange backup product.
Follow-up
>Questions: : Can it be done with ESXi
Yes. http://vmware.com/pdf/GuestOS_guide.pdf
Page 42 shows SBS 2008 supported on VMWare ESX (which is the same as ESXi) 3.5u3
> and if so, what do I need to get in terms of software?
ESXi must can be pre-installed on compatible hardware:
http://vmware.com/products/esxi/uses.html
Scroll down to "Can I buy VMware ESXi preinstalled on servers?"
Installation on other servers may work, but may not be supported.
Get the software here:
https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/?p=esxi
As for the rest, you'll need your own licenses for Server 2008 (x2), SBS 2008 (x1), Server 2003 (x1). Plus your backup software of choice.
Sorry. I thought it was answered in the very first post. Yes.
Real-world experience: none. Still in discovery phase.
Backup software: Acronis True Image Enterprise Server. Investigating their new Exchange backup product.
Follow-up
>Questions: : Can it be done with ESXi
Yes. http://vmware.com/pdf/GuestOS_guide.pdf
Page 42 shows SBS 2008 supported on VMWare ESX (which is the same as ESXi) 3.5u3
> and if so, what do I need to get in terms of software?
ESXi must can be pre-installed on compatible hardware:
http://vmware.com/products/esxi/uses.html
Scroll down to "Can I buy VMware ESXi preinstalled on servers?"
Installation on other servers may work, but may not be supported.
Get the software here:
https://www.vmware.com/tryvmware/?p=esxi
As for the rest, you'll need your own licenses for Server 2008 (x2), SBS 2008 (x1), Server 2003 (x1). Plus your backup software of choice.
ASKER
Excellent info.
Do you know exactly what I should buy in terms of support / management tools.
I'm told I need to purchase the management console and VCB by other sources.
Thanks,
Fred
Do you know exactly what I should buy in terms of support / management tools.
I'm told I need to purchase the management console and VCB by other sources.
Thanks,
Fred
What tools can I use to manage my free VMware ESXi license?
VMware recommends using VMware Infrastructure Client (VI Client) to manage VMware ESXi. You may also query the VMware ESXi host with RCLI. Note that the free version of VMware ESXi does not allow any configuration changes for the VMware ESXi host through the RCLI. Further, managing a VMware ESXi host with VMware vCenter Server requires a VMware vCenter Server Agent for each host, only available with the purchase of a VMware Infrastructure license (Foundation, Standard, or Enterprise).
The VI client (Windows-based) is free. Remote Command Line Interface can be accessed directly or with 3rd-party tools, but for ESXi, you can't make config changes.
Licensing for the paid tools can be mixed/added with your existing VMWare stuff (see your rep). If you're not a VMWare shop, see the "or" proposition that they came up with.
---or---
For $995:
http://www.vmware.com/vmwarestore/esxi_management_kit_promo.html
Your kit includes:
VMware vCenter Server Foundation
VMware vCenter Agents for 3 hosts (limited for use with 3 ESXi hosts)
1 Year software subscription
VMware recommends using VMware Infrastructure Client (VI Client) to manage VMware ESXi. You may also query the VMware ESXi host with RCLI. Note that the free version of VMware ESXi does not allow any configuration changes for the VMware ESXi host through the RCLI. Further, managing a VMware ESXi host with VMware vCenter Server requires a VMware vCenter Server Agent for each host, only available with the purchase of a VMware Infrastructure license (Foundation, Standard, or Enterprise).
The VI client (Windows-based) is free. Remote Command Line Interface can be accessed directly or with 3rd-party tools, but for ESXi, you can't make config changes.
Licensing for the paid tools can be mixed/added with your existing VMWare stuff (see your rep). If you're not a VMWare shop, see the "or" proposition that they came up with.
---or---
For $995:
http://www.vmware.com/vmwarestore/esxi_management_kit_promo.html
Your kit includes:
VMware vCenter Server Foundation
VMware vCenter Agents for 3 hosts (limited for use with 3 ESXi hosts)
1 Year software subscription
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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For backups they use Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery to backup to a network share by using imaging. The image can then be used by vmware converter to restore back to a virtual machine or via symantec restore anywhere to restore to physical hardware. There is also a GRO agent for the backup product that allows it to go into the image and pull emails from the mail store if they need to be restored individually.