Know-How Transfer for Consolidation Solution with VMware

Norddeutscher Rundfunk,NDR

FRITZ & MACZIOL and Norddeutsche Rundfunk (NDR) have just proven that the implementation of a new IT system does not inevitably mean complex training. Know-how transfer is the keyword and meant: the entire installation and project implementation of a consolidation solution with VMware ESX server and VMware VirtualCenter on Siemens/Fujitsu Blades was effected with the IT staff at NDR. In this way, the future administrators could familiarise themselves with functionality and operation during the professional implementation and start-up of the solution by the FRITZ & MACZIOL team; further training on basic administration was superfluous.
 
Convinced by the competence of the F&M experts in the VMware field and the excellent price-perfor mance ratio, the broadcaster had chosen the offered ‘learning-by-doing’ version. Similar to a workshop, the IT staff participated in the four day job, which started with the installation of both ESX servers on FSC Blades (SAN boot) with settings and arrangement of the virtual network. In the second and third steps, installation of the VirtualCenter server was followed by the integration of the ESX host and enablement of the VMotion functionality and the virtual machines (Windows/ Linux), with attachment of the ISO images and VMware tools.

After the successful VMotion test, any remaining points and questions were discussed to conclude the process. The solution has been in use since the start of November 2005, without staff facing the usual start-up difficulties. The positive experiences of the know-how transfer have already given rise to future considerations.

Thus, NDR has not only secured further VMware services in the form of recall contingencies, but is also already thinking about possible measures with regard to Unix server consolidation and a VMware project for another IT department.

For further information on this topic please contact Wolfgang Behr, or +49 40 5287 5244

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