Virtual servers and storage

One of the, if not the, most interesting topics in the storage space these days -- and probably for the next couple years -- is the challenge of optimizing your storage environment, devices, and software in order to maximize the benefits of virtual servers. For me, it's interesting in part because I don't know squat about virtual server technology. Sure, I understand the basics and the benefits, but I've never been a server administrator, let alone a virtual server administrator.

But I have friends who do understand the synergies between storage and virtual servers in detail. For example, InfoStor recently hosted a Webcast titled Storage Challenges Created by a Virtualized Server Infrastructure, which was presented by Taneja Group analysts Jeff Byrne and Jeff Boles and sponsored by FalconStor Software. (NOTE: Registration is required to view the Webcast.)

The bulk of the presentation addressed the "Five Storage Challenges Exacerbated by Server Virtualization":

1. Storage Utilization Decreased by Server Virtualization

2. Application Performance Dependent on Storage Performance

3. End-to-End Visibility from Virtual Machine through Physical Device

4. Diagnostics, Tuning and Change Management Are More Difficult

5. Backup and Recovery are More Complex


The two Jeffs also provided advice on how to address all of these daunting challenges. If you have anything to do with the storage side of the virtual server equation I urge you to check out this Webcast.

This topic is so hot that VMworld may be one of the, if not the, pre-eminent storage-related trade shows in 2009.