Sid_F
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Vmware 4/5 to 6 move VM's
I have two VMware clusters 4.1 and 5.1 running in data centre A. Data centre B is running VMware 6 and is independent of the VMware instance in data centre A. There is a high speed connection between the two data centres and the LAN is extended. I need to move some VM's from A to B. I was going to use a tool called double take for the high priority machines to minimize down time but for the lower priority machines that could be powered off and migrated over night what are the other options. I won't be doing the migration but my managed service provider is advising I need to use double take for everything which is very costly. Thanks.
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ASKER
I can afford about 8 hrs down time. When you say the VMware converter is just not as automated how much time are we talking about for the manual tasks. Most of the servers are under 200GB but I'm trying to understand exactly what double take is automating (putting the zero down time benefit to one side for a moment). It's being portrayed to me that if we choose anything other than double take it will consume major engineer time. thanks
ASKER
Most of my vms are 2003 so it seems VMware conveter 6.1 is not supported.
Sid, Andrew's resources are great and may be of help to you. One of the values of Doubletake is that you can keep data in sync over a period of time allowing for a smooth cutover. We will general use Doubletake to keep databases and file shares in sync so that the users can have full access to the original data while the migration to the new datacenter is underway.
Scott Gorcester
Scott Gorcester
ASKER
Any ideas ball park how much the double take move license is per VM?
Each Doubletake move license is $300 and I believe the license operates for 60 days (last time I checked). You can put one license on the target and destination servers.
Scott Gorcester
Scott Gorcester
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ASKER
Thanks
Good Luck, and download VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.0, give it a try.
ASKER
Just reading through your articles, really great information thanks
no problems....need any more help, just post a new question, if you do not understand anything.
It can be purchased, on a per VM basis.
I wrote an EE Article here
HOW TO: Migrate physical, virtual and cloud based workloads with real-time replication to VMware vSphere (ESXi) using Double-Take MOVE
BUT the same thing can be achieved, easily for FREE using VMware Converter, using the SYNC method, it's just not as automated, but what do you expect for FREE.
Biggest issue, is the link, but if you have a fast link give it a try...
HOW TO: Synchronize changes when completing a P2V or V2V with VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 5.1
https://www.experts-exchange.com/articles/25539/HOW-TO-P2V-V2V-for-FREE-VMware-vCenter-Converter-Standalone-6-1.html