Setting up

[VM_Expert]

Hi,

Need to get setup VM environment  with following hardware:

I'm planning to setup VM environment, 6.5U1

The plan is to have

2-HP servers

1-HP SAN

any suggestions?

[daphnissov]

This is a very broad topic that can go any number of ways. Without you stating what your requirements are and more specific details about what you're proposing, it's not going to be possible to provide advice on a given configuration.

[VM_Expert]

ok,

what about just typically settings?

for now and then we can expand in future?

[daphnissov]

What is it you want to do with this? Can you provide any information at all? Provide specific details on the hardware you're proposing as well.

[VM_Expert]

Hi,

Is there any best practice for small business to get setup VM environment?

such as design, hardware/software....etc?

[cyberpaul]

Well, as daphnissov already stated, a proper design starts with requirements. We can give you some general hints, but that's about it:

Hardware

• each server should have at least two 10Gb NICs, each NIC connected to a separate switch
• all servers in a cluster should have a similar amount of memory and processors of the same CPU family
• get as much RAM as you can
• your storage array should be as fast as possible, consider going full-flash or having an SSD LUN and a separate capacity LUN
• if you plan to use LAN for storage traffic, forget 1Gb and go for 10Gb end-to-end

Software

• purchase a vSphere Essentials Plus kit, it is cost-effective to start with
• utilize VLANs to separate management, storage and VM traffic
• get a proper backup solution, VMware Data Protection is going EOL
• keep everything as simple as possible

Is that what you're looking for? :-)

[VM_Expert]

Ok ,thank you

We're planning to get setup as following:

Hardware:

1 HP SAN-D3600 storage enclosure or HP smart array (still in air).

2 HP Server DL360 Gen10, Intel Xon 4110/2.1 GHz processor/ 128GB RAM.

Software:

vSphere Essential plus.

vCenter 6.5 U1

ESXi 6.5 U1

Veeam backup & replication 9.5 for backup solution.

[cyberpaul]

SW part looks fine to me. If you find Veeam to be too expensive, send me a message and we can find a suitable cheaper alternative (VMcom, Nakivo, ...).

As for the HW part, I am not sure this is going to work. D3600 is a directly attached storage (DAS) designed to expand capacity of a single server. Even if you manage to cable-in two hosts, you probably won't be able to use it as shared storage and the solution will not be supported by VMware.

From HPE portfolio, you might want to take a look at MSA. I'm sure the HPE storage guys can help you with this. You can still go with SAS for up to 4 hosts.