Ubuntu has outdone themselves once again, and made building Virtual Machines even faster and easier. If you enjoyed using Jeos to build simple, fast efficient VM’s. Then you are going to love their new tool. This tool will allow you to not only build Ubuntu Jeos VM’s, Ubuntu Server and Ubuntu Desktop, but has the potential, with plugins, to support a wide range of linux distributions in the near future regardless of it being rpm or deb based.
VMworld was my first opportunity to get out and meet the people which read my blog on a regular basis. One of these people I sat down and had a few minutes with was Nick Barcet, of Canonical (you know, those guys who do Ubuntu). He was nice enough to show me the future of my favorite Ubuntu project. After writing many articles last spring, around the release of 8.04 about Jeos it hurt me to have him tell me they are removing Jeos Iso from the 8.10 repositories. But, their reasons are very valid, and after seeing what they are replacing it with, I think it is a wise decision.
Here is the reason for the change, direct from Ubuntu:
With vmbuilder, there is no need to download a JeOS iso anymore. vmbuilder will fetch the various package and build a virtual machine tailored for our need in about a minute for us. Vmbuilder is a Script that automates the process of creating a ready to use Linux based VM. (source)
My Additional input and thoughts:
When I first came across Ubuntu Jeos, I was hooked. It really made sense, and I loved everything about it. Except the install process. Where it was quick, but not instant, and often in early betas wouldn’t complete. I will say that had I done a little more work in scripting the install with netboot script it wouldn’t have been so bad, but live and learn. But now the python-vm-builder will go from script initialization to booting the VM in under 2 minutes for a minimal configuration using a local repository.
After months of waiting, VMware finally releases the long unawaited Server 2.0.
This release does provide a number of improvements, and if any of these are must haves, then go right ahead and upgrade to VMware Server 2.0 on a development system, and test completly before getting anywhere near your production space. These are the features which will make 2.0 a must upgrade from previous 1.0.* versions:
New Features in VMware Server 2
New operating system support: The broadest operating system support of any host-based virtualization platform currently available, including support for Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista Business Edition and Ultimate Edition (guest only), Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 and Ubuntu 8.04.
64-bit operating system support: Use 64-bit guest operating systems on 64-bit hardware to enable more scalable and higher performing computing solutions. In addition, Server 2 will run natively on 64-bit Linux host operating systems.
VMware Infrastructure (VI) Web Access management interface: VI Web Access management interface provides a simple, flexible, secure, intuitive and productive management experience. Plus, access thousands of pre-built, pre-configured, ready-to-run enterprise applications packaged with an operating system inside a virtual machine at the Virtual Appliance Marketplace.
Independent virtual machine console: With the new VMware Remote Console, you can access your virtual machine consoles independent of the VI Web Access management interface.
More scalable virtual machines: Support for up to 8 GB of RAM and up to10 virtual network interface cards per virtual machine, transfer data at faster data rates from USB 2.0 devices plus add new SCSI hard disks and controllers to a running virtual machine.
Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS): Properly backup the state of the Windows virtual machines when using the snapshot feature to maintain data integrity of the applications running inside the virtual machine.
Support for Virtual Machine Interface (VMI): This feature enables transparent paravirtualization, in which a single binary version of the operating system can run either on native hardware or in paravirtualized mode to improve performance in specific Linux environments.
Virtual Machine Communication Interface (VMCI): Support for fast and efficient communication between a virtual machine and the host operating system and between two or more virtual machines on the same host.
Support for VIX API 1.6: This feature provides a programming interface for automating virtual machine and guest operations.
If you don’t really don’t need any one of these, then you are probably much better off continuing to run with your current virtualization solution, unless you are running a beta or RC version of 2.0, then it is recommended you upgrade to the release version for security and bug fixes. Read more »
After just returning from VMworld, and riding the wave of energy which a conference can generate, I’m sad to report that the upcoming Virtualization Congress 2008 Event hosted by Virtualization.info has been canceled.
Now, the Why?
Why, would an event, backed by the biggest names in the virtualization industry not happen?
Virtualization is like an organism, going through it’s stages of life, it is starting to mature, some might argue it is in the high school days, others might think that it is as far along as attending university, but most would agree it isn’t to the point of generating any offspring yet, but I think in the near future, especially with desktop virtualization, there will be offspring.
Now how does this explain why a conference got cancelled? After reading through the list of sessions, I think the agenda missed the boat. What I saw, heard, read about was that the people in the trenches want to know “how”, how to implement, how to setup, how to design their solutions with virtualization technology. Virtualization has become a simple idea to sell to management, lets take ever server we have now, and replace them with 1/4 as many, not a hard pitch to do. But if the guys in the server room don’t know how, then it won’t happen. I think companies who are looking at virtualizing for the first time, or those who have just recently switch to a virtual data center really want to send their employees to hands on training, live demos, and product tours, not sales pitches and promises of solutions which will be available down the road.
If anyone wants to talk about setting up a hands on Cross Platform - Cross Solution bootcamp for 2009 let me know, because I’m interested. I bet it would be filled up instantly with people looking to get hands on, 1 on 1 and instructor lead training on basic virtualization tools and techniques which they can instantly apply to their day to day toolkit.
Just returning from VMworld, the idea of cloud computing fresh on my mind, I come across these two articles, “A Web OS? Are You Dense?” By Ted Dziuba and the original article he references “Meet Chrome, Google’s Windows Killer” by Michael Arrington. I think they both missed the point, of what Google is doing.
Cloud computing is moving the computation and storage of data from individual machines or servers, into a dynamic cloud where resources are allocated on a dynamic level instantaneously based on actually needs of the calling systems at that time. Previous computational models, had storage either done locally or centrally, and similar distributions of computational power, as the price of desktop hardware fluctuates over time in connection with Moore’s Law.
Both of these authors are short sighted in reviewing Google’s plans. They are looking at currently technology, and the complexity which has evolved over time, to get to where we are now. They didn’t look far enough ahead to see where Google is going. After having the opportunity to review some very slick thin client devices, from Pano Logic, Inc, Wyse Technology and others at VMworld 2008, let me offer you my take.
Here is a description of Pano Logic’s device, direct from their website, read what the device doesn’t have in BOLD and replace the words “Microsoft Windows” with “Google Chrome”:
Pano is purpose-built for server-based desktop virtualization. Moving all software off the desktop to the server, the Pano device has no CPU, no memory, no operating system and no drivers. Using functionality enabled by server virtualization, Pano delivers not only a complete Microsoft Windows experience, including full USB support, but also a new set of high-value features not available with desktop PC and thin client architectures. (source)
What Google is aiming to do, is transition from the current model, where you have desktop applications using local data and storing it locally, to a future model where the computational operations and data storage and backup happens within a cloud. You now sit down a terminal, and log into your Google world, accessing every document you may have ever written, every e-mail you have every read, every website you have ever visited, connected to their cloud from a dumb terminal, such as the Pano Logic box. The advantages over time for cloud computing are huge. It is a very green option, as this becomes more of an issue for enterprise clients, who have tens of thousands of systems running 24/7. Replace these desktop computers with their 350 watt power supplies with a dumb terminal which can have little as a 5 watt power supply and the power savings alone are huge, before even looking at loss and theft, cooling, upgrades, etc over time.
What is the problem with Chrome? Besides the initial issues with the EULA, it is trying to do revolutionary things on non revolutionary hardware. Windows is a bloated mess, which was designed for local execution and local storage of data. It doesn’t like taking a back seat and playing chauffeur to a cloud based computing client. I would like to show the illustration which Ted so nicely crafted, with his own unique style and flair, but I feel the language is too course for this site. What he does illustrate is the layers which data has to pass to go from the hardware up to the application. What he missed in his analysis, is that chrome is a transitional product, as Google devices become available, which will use protocols still under development, such as net2display, their will be no local operating system layers to process. The Google device will be a tv set top box, that simple displays images rendered on Google Farms and sent to the terminal via Ethernet, wifi or wimax technology. The device then returns mouse and keyboard feedback allowing Google to process the input. This may sound far fetched, but it really isn’t that far off. I can use my Apple ipod touch, in combination with RDP software to view and control my desktop computer from 5 states away and get acceptable user experience overall.
A closing quote, from Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, “As we go forward, I hope we’re going to continue to use technology to make really big differences in how people live and work.” (source)
Every booth at VMworld tries to have a unique angle to draw the attention of the attendees. Some are going the Wii give away route (really I should say a few too many), A few have brought in booth babes to draw them in (not enough of them), but one of the most enjoyable is Robert the Magician, as seen at Veeam Booth 928.
Recorded Live at VMworld 2008
Veeam, Booth 928
Veeam Backup 2.0 for VMware Infrastructure 3
A groundbreaking disaster recovery solution for VMware Infrastructure 3 that combines backup and replication in one product.
Veeam Backup is the first enterprise-ready solution that combines backup and replication in a single product for fast recovery of your VMware ESX servers. Backup is easy, but recovery can be hard – and that’s when the clock is ticking loudest. But with Veeam Backup, fast recovery is easier than you ever thought possible.
For immediate release Contact: Laura Harbin, 973.288.7014 lharbin@esxpress.com
PHD Technologies Acquires Xtravirt’s Virtualization Products; Alex Mittell Joins as Director of R&D
Note: Visit PHD Technologies at booth 1128 at VMworld 2008
Mount Arlington, New Jersey - September 16th, 2008 - PHD Technologies, provider of the leading esXPRESS data protection solution for virtualized infrastructures, today announced the acquisition of UK-based Xtravirt’s innovative suite of virtualization products. As part of the transaction, Xtravirt co-founder, Alex Mittell, will join PHD Technologies as Director of Research & Development. Xtravirt, a leading virtualization consultancy, will continue to partner with PHD Technologies as a distributor of esXPRESS to existing and new Xtravirt customers in the UK.
The virtualization tools acquired by PHD Technologies’ will greatly benefit managers of virtualization infrastructures. These include VI3 SnapHunter, a virtual machine snapshot reporter; VI3 PatchDownloader, an automated downloader of VMware ESX patches; VISBU, an infrastructure backup utility and KS Quick Config, a tool to speed up the deployment and configuration of VMware ESX 3 servers.
“With the addition of Xtravirt’s suite of virtualization tools, we are more comprehensively able to support our customers in the running and management of their virtual environments,” said Sridhar Murthy, chief executive officer of PHD Technologies. “This acquisition, and our partnership with Xtravirt, supports our strategic priority of meeting the needs of our customers globally.”
As part of the acquisition, Xtravirt’s co-founder, Alex Mittell, joins PHD Technologies as Director of Research & Development. Mittell is widely known as a technical expert and thought leader in the virtualization community. Prior to co-founding Xtravirt, he worked at Oxford University in the UK as a virtual architect, setting up the university’s virtual infrastructure. Mittell will continue to be based in London.
“I am excited to join PHD Technologies to further develop products for data protection and disaster recovery. esXPRESS is one of the best products available and I look forward to working with the team who created it to take it to the next level,” said Alex Mittell.
About PHD Technologies
esXPRESS, developed by PHD Technologies, redefined data protection in 2005 with the introduction of the first differential backup engine for virtual servers. Today, using the Virtual Backup Appliance (VBA), esXPRESS uses virtual machines to backup virtual machines, without the cost of a dedicated physical server. The advantage for users is simple management and unlimited dynamic growth, no single point of failure, and scaleable performance. esXPRESS is a proud VMware Technology Alliance Partner. Visit www.esxpress.com to download a free trial copy and learn more.
About Xtravirt
Xtravirt provides virtualization solutions throughout the technology lifecycle, operating in three distinct areas: Services, Knowledge, and Engineering. The Services business is a virtualization consultancy, providing an extensive range of business solutions. The Knowledge business provides free information to assist IT professionals. The Engineering business develops freely downloadable, professional virtualization software products, as well as customized applications. Xtravirt is based in the United Kingdom and was co-founded by Paul Davey, Gavin Jolliffe, and Alex Mittell. www.xtravirt.com
In a sea of 14k people, I finally found some peace and quiet.
I have the head phones on and just wanted to get my inital thoughts about VMworld down.
This event is very well organized, and so far any issues I have had where handly quickly and easily. I had to have my badge reprinted with the correct creditials to get into the partner lunch, was fast tracked (I skipped) the long customer support line but joining a group of other attends who had issues which needed to be resolved to attend a lab.
I now know 2 things, A, carry nothing in your pockets when you leave the hotel, as they will be full by lunch time anyway. B, don’t carry anything in your pockets of value. I have been moving camera, ipod touch, cell phone and flip video camera between pockets and have had to be very careful not to let anything drop.
If any company, partner, VMware customer, or other blogger would like to meet up, chat, coffee or get interviewed for this blog please let me know. This is a rare chance to meet me face to face and also have your product / company presented right on this blog.
Actually I’m not either, I hate to travel. I have myself needed to research the current policies, laws, sanctions, and restrictions to fly, so I thought I would share my findings, and hopefully save my readers who will be traveling to the oasis this weekend some trouble, or at least the people around them.
Liquids, gels, and aerosol preparations are allowed as long as these are in 3-ounce or smaller containers.
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed.
Infant formula and breast milk are allowed in carry-on luggage if you are traveling with an infant.
Coffee or soda, purchased in the secure area beyond the security checkpoint is allowed aboard your plane.
Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than five times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
Couple of items which are currently allowed: (source)
Cigar Cutters
Corkscrews
Eyelash Curlers
Toy Transformer Robots*** why is that on the list?***
Umbrellas
Tweezers
Drills and Drill bits, if accompanied and individual with a prosthesis
Shoes, those things that you can’t enter a store without and can’t enter a plane with
You are required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. All types of footwear must be placed on the X-ray machine to be screened. If you do not comply with Security Officers, you will not be allowed to board your flight. (source)
Tips for packing your checked baggage:
Pack shoes, boots, sneakers and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
Avoid over-packing your bag allowing the Security Officer to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags.
Avoid packing food and drink items.
Don’t stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
The new game airlines are playing, due to rising fuel costs, is charging for checked baggage.
The TSA/DHS/Customs may: without any reason: seize the Laptop, and any other form of digital or analog storage device, including iPods, cell phones, flash drives, hard drives, and tapes. of anyone (including U.S. Citizens) coming into or leaving the U.S.
So If you are entering the US, from outside the country, you may want to do a backup of your system, either onto a media which a travel companion could carry, or a web based service such as Amazon Web Services. This would allow you worst case, to recover your data onto a new or borrowed device. (if you find yourself shopping for a replacement device, you will find that Clark County assesses a 7.750% sales and use tax. )
If you get held up on your way out of Vegas, at the airport:
Internet Access at Las Vegas McCarran LAS Airport
Internet Access
McCarran Airport’s free Wi-Fi service offers travelers with Wi-Fi-enabled computers and PDAs unlimited high-speed access to the Internet 24/7 from virtually any public area of the airport.
The closest Dunkin Donuts is 3.7 Miles from the conference. If you want to buy me a coffee, or even beans feel free. I can’t get fresh Dunkin Donuts coffee in Montana. The closest one to Missoula is just outside Seattle Washington, 12 hours away.
If you need a little extra money, there are about 147 for pawn shops near Las Vegas, NV. Don’t forget to get your wedding ring out of pawn before you leave Vegas.
If you’re going to VMworld next week in Las Vegas, you no doubt have a list of “must see” vendors. Fortunately, you have lots of chances to see Veeam Software, and we can’t wait to meet you!
We’re a Gold Sponsor this year, so you’ll have no trouble finding our 20 X 20 island booth, number 928. Come by any time during exhibit hours and see demos of all our products at any of four demo stations.
In addition to the Veeam sales professionals, we’ll have a full contingent of systems engineers, our executive team, and our director of R&D, Alexey Vasilyev, on hand to speak with you. As always, we want to hear what tools you need next to Manage Your Virtual World with Veeam.
While you’re there, enter our drawing to win a $1,000 travel gift certificate. If you win, you can see the world, courtesy of Veeam.
If you want to set up a specific meeting time in advance, just e-mail carrie.reber@veeam.com.
We look forward to seeing you.
Veeam presentation schedule at VMworld
Veeam is honored to be speaking six times at this year’s VMworld. Mark your schedule so you don’t miss the sessions of most interest to you:
Doug Hazelman, Director, Global Systems Engineer Group
“Managing Your Virtual World with Veeam” (Solutions Exchange Theater)
Wednesday - 2:30 pm
Doug Hazelman and Barry Martin, Mirazon Group
“Architecting Your VMware Disaster Recovery Solution”
Wednesday - 4:00 pm
Doug Hazelman and Barry Martin, Mirazon Group
“Architecting Your VMware Disaster Recovery Solution” (repeat due to high demand)
Thursday - 9:00 am
See the nworks connector during VMware presentation
“Deploying VMware in a Microsoft Shop”
Thursday - 9:30 am
Hank Wright, VP & General Manager, Monitoring Solutions
“How VMware Provides the Most Manageable Infrastructure”
Follow Veeam on Twitter: http://twitter.com/veeam
Veeam also speaking at 451 ICE Summit
Doug Hazelman, Veeam’s Director, Global Systems Engineer Group, is also participating in a panel discussion at the 451 Group’s first Infrastructure Computing for the Enterprise (ICE) Summit, scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Look for Doug on the “Virtualization and Storage” panel at 3:15 pm.
Interested in joining the Veeam Team?
Veeam Software is now hiring! Bring your resume to VMworld if you’re interested in being considered for one of our many open positions. Come and join the hottest team in the virtualization space!
I have neglected this site over the past few months, and I’m sorry. But I just haven’t been driven to research and publish the quality of material which I like for this site. I have been busy with other projects, and decided that the best way to get motivated to start writing again is to goto VMworld and really try and sink myself back into virtualization. I will be arriving in Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon and have to depart early thursday morning.
Since this is my first time at an event of this size, I’m looking for some suggestions, thoughts, advice that you the seasoned show goer would like to share, either with me personally or publicly. So please leave a comment, letting me know what I need to know to be ready for VMworld.
One question I’m posing to you, should I bring a laptop? I’m not expecting public terminals to be available, but at the same time I don’t really think I need to lug around my oversized piece of antiquity for 4 days. I’m also not thrilled with the idea of TSA inspections at the airport, so think it may be just safer to not bring it.
Looking forward to some feedback, and seeing you all at VMworld,
Thanks,
Brad
Doug Hazelman, Veeam’s Director, Global Systems Engineer Group, is also participating in a panel discussion at the 451 Group’s first Infrastructure Computing for the Enterprise (ICE) Summit, scheduled for Sept. 18 at the Mirage in Las Vegas. Look for Doug on the “Virtualization and Storage” panel at 3:15 pm. 
