Virtualization at a Glance
VIRTUALIZATION/Storage Area Network Executive Summary
Overview
Server virtualization allows the SDE to make good use of scarce hardware resources, while providing a more stable server environment by isolating network applications such as Destiny, Moodle, Blackboard, and Read 180. While historically these applications would have required a separate server or to be installed on the same server with potential conflicts, virtualization allows us to create separate virtual servers for each application all on the same hardware. It also provides for shared storage (hard drives), redundancy, testing and evaluation of upgrades, and decreased installation time of new network software applications to achieve minimal to no application downtime. Finally, the ability to run multiple applications on one server ultimately will reduce energy costs and in the long-term, reduce server replacement costs.
Technology Plan Goal Addressed
- Goal #1: Integrate Technology with Student Learning Initiatives
- Goal #2: Support Continuous Improvement through the Development or Acquisition of New Applications
- Goal #3: Maintain System Integrity
Goals
Three goals have been identified for this project:
- 1. Reduce downtime of key applications
- 2. Make better use of existing and future hardware and financial resources
- 3. Support test environments for the evaluation of future application upgrades
Resources Needed
- Hardware, Software, and Consulting Investment - $45,000
- Network Administrator to Install, Manage, Maintain/Monitor
Primary Contact(s)
Dan Scott, Network Administrator x1166
Key Dates/Timeline for Implementation
- Week of July 28, 2008: Installation of Virtualization Software (VMWare)
- Weeks of August 4th and 11th: Conversion of network applications: Moodle, Destiny, Blackboard, PDExpress, Titan, SelectSurvey, FitnessGram, Netstorage, Groupwise Web
- 08-09 School Year: Test and convert other server applications as time allows
- Summer 2009: Convert CAO File and Print Server, Install Microsoft Exchange into virtual environment
Related Initiatives
- District Energy Reduction
- Infrastructure
Key Talking Points
- Isolation of network applications means that if one application crashes/fails, only that application will be affected. Currently, if the Blackboard application or server was down, Destiny would also be down.
- Network servers typically operate at 2%-10% hardware capacity. Virtualization allows for 60%-70% hardware capacity and fewer # of servers. This supports energy-use reduction and reduced costs in the long-term.
- The SDE will be better able to test version upgrades as well as train staff in advance to going "live" on new or upgraded applications.