VM Services

Information on UNT's Green VM initiative

Virtual Machine technology allows us to consolidate server resources and hardware costs into a centralized location. This translates to hardware being used to its fullest capacity and not idling as the majority of servers do. At the moment, we are able to place between 15 and 25 virtual servers (Web, Application, File & Print, etc.) on each physical server which facilitates more efficient power and storage utilization.

Virtual Server Advantages

Running a server in the virtual space has several advantages over physical servers:

• All virtual servers are running on clustered physical servers. In case of a hardware failure, the virtual servers will automatically be moved to another physical server with minimal down time, usually under 2 minutes and possibly much less.
• Zero set up or maintenance on hardware. No AC issues, no power issues, no hardware or associated parts failure issues.
• VM's behave like a physical server but boot much faster. You retain all control over it, just as you would if you owned the hardware, but without the hardware headaches. This does mean you are also responsible for patching and backup of the virtual server just as you would a physical server.

It is also possible to move a physical server onto a virtual server, a process called P2V. This could be useful if you are having server issues, or want to retire an older server without the expense of new hardware.

Request a Virtual Server

To place an order for a new VM, click below:

http://vm.unt.edu/order

If you decide to request a VM, there are some access limitations. At the moment, you can only access the VM hardware reliably through a web interface using Internet Explorer. Firefox and Safari work but with no consistency. We will also need a group within UNT's Active Directory that you create on your end. You will use this group to authorize who can manage your virtual server through the management console.

Getting Started

Below is an attached document on getting started and how to access your VM through the web interface. Also included is the Service Level Agreement that was presented at the November 7, 2008 DCSMT meeting.If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact vm@unt.edu