vmware questions

Any one using vmware in a production environment? If so here is what we are thinking about doing.

I am thinking about buying a 10 terabyte SAN. I will then use part of that SAN as file server for users and then use part of it for exchange server.

I want to know if this is feasible, why or why not. Are there any security risks inherent with this sort of setup?

I figured using a SAN to do something like this along with vmware cuts down on hardware cost because of the expandability options available to us.


This will be using in a domain supporting 250 users or so.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

 

This is feasable, but there are a few things to consider.

You will still need to buy hardware to support your performance needs. VMWare will not get you more RAM, Disk I/O, or CPU cycles. What it does do, is gets you the ability to better allocate those resources across a larger number of servers, good backup options, some limited failover, fast deployments, etc. With just 2 servers you may be better off spending a little less money with properly speced servers and DAS solutions for the space, and a lot less money on VI licensing.

If you do go with VMWare's Virtual Infrastructure product, keep in mind it is a bare metal install. All of your hardware, servers, cards, and SAN must be on their hardware compatibility list, or you can pretty much forget it for production. Their free product will not get you any of the advanced features, control, or the performance you want to support 250 users.

I would not consider this a significant change where security is concerned.