Product Highlight: Virtualization Microsoft Business Critical Applications

Do you work for a company that relies heavily on virtualization of Microsoft’s enterprise applications on vSphere to drive down costs? Have you been wanting to learn the fundamentals of delivering mission-critical applications and services to a variety of devices? Look no further than Virtualizing Microsoft Business Critical Applications on VMware vSphere. This course covers the best practices and knowledge needed to implement Microsoft business critical applications on the vSphere platform. You can drive down costs for your company by virtualizing Microsoft’s enterprise applications on vSphere and migrate towards a more flexible and low-cost private cloud architecture.

This guidebook bridges the gap between Microsoft and VMware. It covers topics such as Microsoft CAL licensing for VMware environments, running a VMware exchange server and administering other business-critical applications in the VMware platform. In addition, it also covers topics including:

• Evaluating the benefits, risks, and challenges of virtualizing Microsoft business critical applications
• Identifying strategies for success associated with people, processes and technology
• Reviewing VMware vSphere features most important to virtualizing business-critical applications
• Planning, designing, and developing virtualized SharePoint Server 2013 environments
• Designing and configuring vSphere High Availability clusters to run Windows enterprise applications
• And much more

The course is presented by Libowitz and Fontana, who are experts in this field. Furthermore, it covers all parts of virtualizing Windows Server 2012 AD domain controllers and failover clusters, Exchange Server 2013, SQL Server 2012, and SharePoint Server 2013. You will also find up-to-date guidance on licensing and other issues related to ensuring full support from both Microsoft and VMware.

What are you waiting for? Get the guidebook now, and delve into the fundamentals of the Microsoft and VMware worlds!

How is Virtualization Different than Cloud Computing?

For the majority of us who aren’t experts in the world of IT, there’s a lot of confusion about cloud computing and virtualization. A common misconception is that these two strategies are interchangeable and synonymous with one another. While it’s true that they are related in several ways, it’s very important to understand the fundamental differences between cloud computing and virtualization - especially when making important decisions for company or organization.

A square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not a square. Everyone is familiar with this geometric principle, and as it turns out, it is a great analogy for the differences between cloud computing and virtualization. Keeping that in mind, these definitions should help better your understanding:

• Cloud computing: the delivery of shared computing resources, software or data as a service via the Internet
• Virtualization: refers to the act of creating a virtual version of a computer hardware platform, operating system (OS), storage device or computer network services

In this situation, the square-rectangle comparison is relevant because virtualization can be used as a tool to provide cloud computing, but cloud computing itself is not the same thing as virtualization. Virtualization is a specific element of cloud computing. In other words, virtualization is a square, and cloud computing is a rectangle. Let’s break it down even further:

Virtualization

The director of product marketing at VMware, Mike Adams, described virtualization as the “software [that] makes it possible to run multiple operating systems and multiple applications on the same server at the same time.” This means that virtualization software allows users to overcome physical hardware incompatibilities. In other words, virtualization software provides the physical infrastructure that allows cloud computing to be executed.

See the diagram (Source: VirtualCommand.com) to the right: the virtualization software, called a hypervisor or a virtual machine manager (VMM), runs on the physical hardware of your computer and manipulates it to allow you to run virtual machines (VMs) that would otherwise be incompatible with your computer or operating system.

Cloud Computing

The ability to access and operate virtual machines through virtualization software is one form of cloud computing. For example, it is not possible to run certain Microsoft applications on the Mac OSX. One way to overcome this obstacle would be to install a form of virtualization software, which would allow you to virtually run the Microsoft Windows operating system on a Mac computer. The service (having the ability to run MS applications on your Mac) is what we call cloud computing. More basic forms of cloud computing include internet storage services, like Dropbox, and webmail services, like Gmail. These services allow you to access stored data and information (in the “cloud”) from a remote location via the internet.

Adopting a cloud computing strategy at the enterprise level is much more complex and integrated than basic webmail, which is why virtualization software is usually a great option for businesses. You can learn more about the fundamentals of virtualization with this DVD training program from VMware, or read more about how virtualization can save you money, here, on the VMware Certification Marketplace blog.

VMware vSphere Virtualization Fundamentals LiveLessons

The IT world is one that is ever evolving, with new concepts being introduced on a regular basis. Being an IT professional is not an easy task. It is important to be up-to-date with the newest methods that are being used, while also being informed of the basic concepts of the past. This not only makes work easier, but also makes you a more sought after, educated IT professional. One course that can help with this is vSphere Virtualization Fundamentals LiveLessons, offered by VMware Certification Marketplace.

The course is offered by bestselling author and VMware certified trainer, Bill Ferguson, and covers all topics needed for creating virtualized data centers. Virtualization is one of the most important and leading feilds in the IT world today. Most IT professionals have basic knowledge about virtualized data but would like to learn more and gain experience in this field. This LiveLesson course is the best place to start learning more about virtualization. The videos start with the fundamentals of virtualization and move on to talk about topics that relate to the creation, management, and control of a VMware vSphere virtual data center.

From the core concepts to the very specifics, this course offers everything any IT professional will need to know about virtualization. It offers lessons with regard to vSphere, virtual machines, and virtual resources. In addition, the course also offers lessons in regard to management and control of virtual data centers. By the end of the course, IT professionals will have a great understanding of the basics of vSphere.

With eight lessons and numerous hours of video tutorials, this package course comes in an affordable price of only $149.99. The best part about this package is learning by seeing and hearing a real person – not by reading a heavily technical book. Do not wait any longer. Quick start you career in virtualizations today!

How Virtualization Can Help Firms Save Money

These days, we have all swapped our address books for cloud-based contact management, and our albums stuffed with 4x6 photos for iCloud albums. Virtualization is also one of the most buzzed about trends in IT departments, and is often touted as being able to save significant funds and resources for a company. Today, we will explore what virtualization is and whether it’s the best choice for your company.

The two important types of virtualization to distinguish between are server and desktop virtualization. Typically, server virtualizations are implemented first,  dividing the server’s memory and processing capacity from separate machines into one physical machine that simulates the former operating system. Desktop virtualization creates an infrastructure where all client data and desktop software is stored on a server, as opposed to on each individual machine. This allows administrators to centrally manage these machines while users are able to use their own computers and operating systems.

The primary savings — drivers influencing a company-wide virtualization — are hardware, maintenance, energy, facilities and downtime savings. While the servers that power your virtual work environment are more costly than the previously used machines, having one virtual server is still cheaper than having many physical servers. Additionally, having multiple machines not only takes up considerable space in an office but also requires periodic maintenance, allowing employees that were previously occupied repairing the machines to respond to other tasks. The servers themselves are also an energy drain and can save money with utilities costs.

Clearly, a company can realize many cost-saving strategies with server virtualization, but each employee can realize tangible time savings if desktop virtualization is implemented. Because information is cloud based, the business can create backup shapshots of an application and duplicate it elsewhere. If a computer fails, instead of sending the machine out for repair, it can often be repaired via the virtualized desktop in a matter of hours, saving productivity.

While virtualization can streamline many processes for a company and drive efficiencies in the long-run, it requires certain initial implementation costs. Take a look through our helpful guide below to see if the benefits of virtualization might make it the right decision for your organization.

Is server virtualization right for my company? (Source: GCN)

• Are key infrastructure resources such as data center space or power capacity nearing limits?
• Are you planning a server consolidation project?
• Is your average server CPU usage rate below 30 percent? Is there an increasing rate of new server provisioning?
• Do you need to run legacy applications that require obsolete hardware environments?
• Do you need to run application management in a test or development environment?

Is desktop virtualization right for your company? (Source: GCN)

• Is my organization facing challenging in providing individual PCs?
• Does my organization have a mobile workforce?
• Does my organization maintain a close partnership with contractors and outsourcers?
•  Do frequent updates to custom software require manual installation?
• Is there significant turnover, mobility or reassignment in the end-user community?
• Do users require access to tools supported only on different desktop operating systems?

If you’ve answered yes to a majority of these questions, then perhaps virtualization is right for you, and there is no better place to start on your pathway to being a virtualization expert than www.vmwarecertificationmarketplace.com.

VMware VCP DCV Exam Voucher Bundle

If you’re looking to establish yourself as a premier data center virtualization professional, the VMware Certification – Professional Datacenter Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) program is the best choice for your career success. Backed by the world’s foremost virtualization technology company, VMware Certified Professionals have been distinguished as having exceptional knowledge in the area of virtual datacenters; as well as the talents to effectively build and administer enterprise-level datacenters.

If you’re looking to earn your VCP5-DCV certification, VMware Certification Marketplace offers the tools you need for success with our VCP5-DCV Exam Bundle! This bundle includes both the MeasureUp VCP-DCV5 practice exam, and the voucher needed to take your VCP5-DCV certification exam. When you purchase the bundle, receive 20% off the price of the MeasureUp VCP5-DCV practice exam.

MeasureUp brings its decades of experience in providing IT practice exams to its VCP5-DCV practice exam and backs up their experience with a test-pass money back guarantee! MeasureUp is the official practice test partner of VMware, offering detailed guidance in every aspect of the VMware VCP5-DCV exam – from planning, installing, configuring and upgrading your ESXi/vCenter server installation, to managing server alarms. Timed practice mode makes it possible to simulate your exam and prepare for test-taking; while the study mode allows you to explore each question and spend as much time as you need mastering concepts. Each question is based on those found on the actual VCP5-DCV exam, and each question provides sources to official VMware documentation.

The second part of this valuable bundle is the VCP5-DCV voucher. This voucher is delivered instantly and allows you to register for your VCP5-DCV exam at any Pearson VUE testing center. Exam authorization is required before moving forward with your VMware Certified Professional exam.

If you’re ready to advance your IT career, check out this great voucher bundle here or visit the full VMware Certification Marketplace for all the books, guides, practice exams and vouchers you need to earn your VMware Certification today!

Building Your Team with VMware Certification

The need for talented employees – and not being able to find them – is an issue faced by many IT departments, consulting firms, and others. The official VMware blog points out several statistics regarding the “IT skill gap”, with over half of IT executives and managers reporting concerns about the quality and quantity of IT talent available. Many businesses address this skills gap through retraining, rather than new hires. 57% of employers noted they would retain and retrain workers, rather than make a substantial amount of new hires.

The IT space is one of the most competitive. With so many firms competing for market share, and a lack of qualified IT professionals, the competition for both business and employees can be brutal. In order to compete, employers must be able to keep a talented staff to effectively serve their clients. In a recent survey of 120,000 IT professionals, when asked what their direct manager could do to improve job satisfaction or engagement, the top response (aside from salary, benefits, and promotion) was training opportunities.

One of the most valuable IT certifications, and areas of knowledge, is within that of VMware and virtualization technologies. By offering VMware certification and training to IT talent, businesses are able to retain their most talented IT professionals as well as improving the common knowledge of their firm. Employees win by getting certified in one of the most rapidly growing fields of the IT sector, expanding their knowledge, allowing them to work on more rewarding projects and expand their career opportunities, while employers benefit from having a team well-versed in the high-demand field of virtualization services.

More than 60% of managers say IT teams benefit from staff with certifications, and that those certifications add to the value of the team. The VMware Certified Associate is a great place to start in building this foundation. The cost of a VCA Voucher  for your team members is minimal compared to the value that certification adds to your IT team

If you’re interested in learning more about how VMware Certification benefits your team and your technology professionals, visit the official VMware blog; or visit VMware Certification Marketplace for training materials, practice exams, books, and everything else you need to propel your IT team to success.

Building a Virtual Datacenter in vSphere 5

Building a virtual datacenter is one of the most critical skills for individuals who design and manage virtualization environments. More and more companies are turning to the use of virtual datacenters for data storage in applications including data mining, customer analytics, web analytics and more. Those companies seek IT professionals with the necessary skills to build effective virtual datacenter solutions.

Whether you’re an IT professional looking to build a virtual datacenter for the first time or a veteran looking for a reference guide, VMware vSphere 5: Building a Virtual Datacenter covers every aspect of creating a virtual datacenter on vSphere 5. From design to troubleshooting, it offers information applicable to datacenters both large and small.

This comprehensive guide comes from two talented VMware professionals: Eric Maille and Rene-Francois Mennecier, who begin with reviewing the fundamentals of datacenter design. From there, this VMware datacenter guide dives into the business of datacenter creation – budgeting, scheduling, planning and how to compare and evaluate different datacenter designs and solutions. They then cover technical aspects critical to a successful virtual datacenter. These include the integration of vSphere with datacenter elements such as storage, backup and disaster recovery. This VMware datacenter guide also shows you how to seamlessly integrate other VMware solutions such as ESX and vCenter Server, allowing you to easily manage all components of your virtual datacenter. Once your datacenter is successfully running, Maille and Mennecier provide a wealth of knowledge on how to optimize performance and troubleshoot common issues within vSphere 5 virtual datacenters. 

From beginners to experts, there’s something for everyone in this guide, jam-packed with everything from the fundamentals of datacenters to advanced topics such as integration and optimizing your vSphere environment. Looking for more? Visit us at VMware Certification Marketplace for additional VMware books and reference materials that will help you master every aspect of the VMware platform, from designing and deploying vSphere to the development of applications using the VMware SDK!