ABSTRACT
Virtual data centers enable data mobility, resiliency, and improved IT efficiency.
In this chapter you will learn:
What defines a green and virtual data center
How virtualization can be applied to servers, storage, and networks
The many faces of server, storage, and networking virtualization
How to leverage virtualization beyond server, storage, and network consolidation
The various components and capabilities that comprise a virtual data center
How existing data centers can transform into next-generation virtual data centers
Many approaches and technologies, addressing different issues and requirements, can be used to enable a green and virtual data center. Virtualization is a popular approach to consolidating underutilized IT resources, including servers, storage, and input/output (I/O) networks to free up floor-space, lower energy consumption, and reduce cooling demand, all of which can result in cost savings. However, virtualizationand particularly consolidation-applies to only a small percentage of all IT resources. The importance of this chapter is that there are many facets of virtualization that can be used to enable IT infrastructure resource management to improve service delivery in a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.
