Virtualization for your enterprise A Dell Networking White Paper
THIS WHITE PAPER IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND MAY CONTAIN TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS AND TECHNICAL INACCURACIES. THE CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. For more information, contact Dell. Dell, the DELL logo, and the DELL badge, PowerConnect, are trademarks of Dell Inc. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own. May 2011 Page ii
Contents A Dell Networking White Paper... i Virtualization for your enterprise... 2 Introduction... 2 Virtualization translated... 2 Hypervisor & Client Virtualization Software... 3 User Devices... 3 The Network... 3 Storage... 3 Services... 3 How will virtualization help my business?... 4 Raise productivity... 4 Heighten security... 4 Disaster recovery... 4 Provisioning... 4 How do I get started?... 5 In-house talent... 5 Evaluating solutions... 6 Implementation... 7 Management & Support... 7 Summary... 7 Page 1
Virtualization for your enterprise Introduction Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, or VDI, has emerged as a potent buzzword in the wake of recent advances in server virtualization. VDI promises lower total cost of ownership and increased flexibility engaging benefits in today s competitive economy. The actual deployment of VDI, however, is fraught with possible pitfalls, and can actually raise OPEX if not handled correctly. In this paper, we will explore the basics of a VDI deployment, including a general description of components and their purpose. We will consider the benefits of VDI, and how you can determine if this technology is right for your business. Finally, we ll show you how Dell can help you get started with this exciting new technology. Virtualization translated The drive to virtualization began with server virtualization, in which servers were consolidated and partitioned in order to realize higher utilization at a lower cost. It has worked: server virtualization has resulted in tremendous data center savings. Desktop virtualization takes the concept a step further, by separating the physical desktop from the software and applications running on it and isolating each. Unlike server virtualization, of course, the overall virtualization solution is complicated by the fact that it essentially changes the typical enterprise user s computing paradigm from an individual desktop to a client/server/management model. If deployed correctly, virtualization can help the enterprise dramatically reduce OPEX and realize a number of other benefits which we ll explore in the next section. Virtualization vendors have different names for the elements that make up their solutions. This is one reason that it can be difficult to do a straightforward comparison between vendors. At a high level, desktop virtualization allows multiple users to access information via virtual machines, which are stored centrally. Users must typically be connected to the central virtual machine (VM) server by a LAN, WAN or the intranet. Specific elements can include: Page 2
Hypervisor & Client Virtualization Software This figure presumes that the VDI deployment chosen will run via Virtual Machines, or VMs. Hypervisor, which is also known as a virtual machine manager/monitor, enables multiple operating systems to run on a single set of hardware and server resources. Hypervisors are typically installed on server hardware. Client virtualization software enables the delivery of the desktop image. User Devices One of the purposes of virtualization is to enable flexibility in the type of end-user devices, which can include managed and unmanaged devices and may encompass anything from a desktop to a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Another purpose is to enable delivery of the user s expected desktop to any suitable device that can be connected to the server. The Network The network is often overlooked when VDI is discussed, but it is, in fact, the heart of the solution. Users must be able to securely access their virtual desktops, and they must be able to do so at an acceptable speed and experience LAN-like performance regardless of location. This requirement dovetails with the current drive to collapse the data center, moving from legacy three-tier models to more efficient deployments. Storage Storage is a key element of a desktop virtualization deployment, just as it is in server virtualization. Storage must not only be cost-effective, but must be optimized to provide the right level of I/O to satisfy end-users. The type of storage chosen, as well as details in configurable backup, may seem like small considerations during evaluation, but can quickly make the difference between success and failure. Services The benefits of virtualization solutions are compelling, but the technology is still comparatively new. Understanding and planning for end-user requirements is a non-trivial task, and for that reason we recommend, as a part of the initial planning phases, incorporating services to help architect, roll out and optimize VDI in the most non-disruptive way possible. Page 3
How will virtualization help my business? Raise productivity Today s business environment runs on a global timetable. Users require access to network applications and resources 24/7, and from any device. A correctly deployed virtualization solution can provide that access, by enabling user access remotely and on-site. Heighten security Today s desktop environment has become extraordinarily complex. There is practically no such thing as a standard, corporate-issued PC. Users add their own settings and preferences, and often their own applications. The result is a management nightmare, in which often scarce IT staff must try to learn not only how to service corporate devices, but how those devices can interact with the vast number of elements that can be added by users. In addition, many users may access the corporate network through their own, unmanageable devices. OS updates and security patches can become extremely difficult to administer in this environment. This end-client diversity also increases the chance of a security breach. Virus or malware remediation is almost impossible in today s desktop environment. This opens not just the end-user s device to corruption, but, by extension, the entire corporate network. And unfortunately you ll never know about the breach until it s too late. A correctly deployed VDI solution can make OS patches, software updates, and virus/malware remediation much easier. In most cases, the user doesn t even know that it s happened. Network security and compliance are also compelling values of a virtualization solution. Most security restrictions, from PCI DSS and HIPAA, to Gramm Leach Bliley and Sarbanes Oxley, require some level of access control. While access control can be deployed in a variety of ways throughout the network, virtualization provides a simple means to this end. Users must be authenticated in order to even access their device, let alone the network as a whole. Virtualization can also ease the burden of compliance reporting, by providing thorough records of end-user activities. In addition, virtualization simplifies the forensic process should there be a security breach, or even a suspected violation of policy. Disaster recovery Another primary benefit of virtualization is recovery in the case of lost or stolen devices, or in the case of a disaster. In a typical desktop model, information recovery is limited to the last backup of the device, and work in progress cannot be resumed of the device is gone. In a VDI model, however, recovery is as simple as accessing the virtual desktop from a different device. Downtime is cut dramatically, and your users can get up and working faster. Provisioning Provisioning a new user in a physical desktop model can be an arduous task, made more so in a situation with limited IT staff. With VDI it is simple to provision new desktops and to keep the image updated. It is also much easier to roll out new applications and add or make changes to users as your business grows and changes. Page 4
How do I get started? In this paper we have explored many of the benefits of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. As you can see, these benefits are extensive. A correctly deployed virtualization solution can get your IT staff out of the endless loop of servicing myriad disparate user desktops, and on to helping your bottom line. The key to success, however, lies with the term correctly deployed VDI solution. Virtualization remains a relatively new technology, and has been dominated by a few large vendors. The technology is highly specialized today, and fraught with opportunities to make costly mistakes. Nonetheless, if properly managed, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Some considerations include: In-house talent The first thing you must consider is whether you have the expertise needed to perform a thorough business analysis of virtualization for your situation. Ironically, many of the businesses that would most benefit from a virtual desktop infrastructure cannot clearly evaluate whether the business is a candidate for the technology or not. Virtualization is extremely beneficial, but proper deployment can be complex, so expertise is important. A complete evaluation would include: An overview of user types. VDI can be used for all user types, but the storage and processing requirements for task workers is generally less than that required for mobile power users. A review of the end-user devices currently deployed and how they are used. End user security evaluation. How do end users log on to their devices today? Do the security requirements vary for different users or resources? A look at how updates and patches are handled currently. This can be a significant issue and a major driver to virtualization. Virus or malware remediation. Have you had a breach? How did you handle it? Compliance requirements. What regulations must you comply with? Is this going to change? How much time and effort are required for your staff to compile this information? What operating system(s) are you using? Do you plan to update? How do you plan to accomplish that? How do you handle remote access today? This is an area where virtualization can provide enormous benefits. One of the places to find this expertise, of course, is to consult one of the large virtualization vendors. While this will get you the guidance you need, it also surrenders your IT strategy to a single vendor. At Dell, we believe that you should take back your strategy wherever possible. Dell offers complete consulting services, including best practices workshops, and full assessment services to help you get the expertise you need and an actionable plan on the network topology, protocols and architecture that would be of the greatest benefit to your company. Page 5
Evaluating solutions Once you ve decided that a virtualization solution is right for you, it s time to spec the evaluation deployment. At this point, there are a few critical details that must be highlighted for the overall deployment to succeed. They include: Licensing Many applications are licensed differently in a virtual deployment than they are in a typical physical deployment. This information can be difficult to get, and can result in a big surprise when evaluation is complete. You need to ensure that this element of a VDI deployment is considered as you progress. Policies As it often happens, you may find a solution, but you are left with the task of constructing access, security and routing policies, all of which can take a lot of time and consume resources you cannot afford to dedicate to the project. Best practices demand a set of canned policies that can be easily pressed into action with the option of customizing as well as adding new policies as time progresses. Storage As previously mentioned, determining the type and size of storage that you will ultimately require is a vital and tricky part of a virtualization deployment. You must ensure that the hardware you are evaluating will work as expected in your real-world environment. Forward compatibility Is this a solution that can grow with your business as requirements change? Without such a consideration being made early in the evaluation process, you may find yourself in the same predicament two years from now, once again having to reevaluate your current network due to its inability to scale with new requirements. Dell can help. We offer comprehensive, unbiased information about how to evaluate a virtualization deployment, including those hidden charges and issues. We can help you ensure that when you move to implement the solution, you get what you expect. As part of our open solutions approach, Dell can provide you with a platform for forward compatibility by architecting your network with best-in class-technology. We partner and integrate with industry leaders, to ensure that you get the best possible solution while fully leveraging your existing investment. The result is a virtualization infrastructure that will handle your needs both today and tomorrow, including in those rapidly changing areas of compliance and security. With Dell, you can easily enable a fully extensible and scalable infrastructure that can support other important initiatives such as storage and archiving, access control, compliance, security, and much more. And all of it can be fully integrated and optimized based on your specific requirements or industry vertical. This is a major thrust behind our solution approach forward compatibility to support future business requirements. Page 6
Implementation Some virtualization vendors may show expertise as you evaluate their products, but leave you on your own when it comes to implementation. Not Dell. Our complete solution can assist you in deploying your tailored network solution, while maximizing the potential of your existing infrastructure. Dell makes virtualization easy, with a complete solution designed to enable: Mobility Cloud computing Converged voice and data Specialized business applications, such as EMR, trading, inventory, etc. Risk mitigation Future applications, easily enabled on a flexible, open platform Dell s VDI solution includes: Network switching (Dell PowerConnect J-Series EX4500) User servers (12 Dell PowerEdge M610 s) Management servers (2 Dell PowerEdge M610 s) Citrix Provisioning Server (2 Dell PowerEdge M610) Dell EqualLogic 3-tier storage o Write Cache: 2 Hybrid SSD arrays - PS6010XVS SAN o User Data: 48 TB PS6510E SAN o Data Back-up/Recovery: 48 TB PS6510E SAN Optional Components Available o UPS, Security Software, Firewall, etc. Dell s solution also includes a full complement of tested, pre-configured policies, so rollout is simple. Management & Support The day-to-day maintenance and support of a VDI deployment is vital; after all, no network is static. Dell can help you with an option for 24x7 network management. Dell operates, administers, maintains and provisions all networked systems in compliance with the service-level agreement that works for you. That means you and your users can get back to business. Dell also offers complete technical, warranty and product support services. Summary Virtual Desktop Infrastructure can solve many of the pervasive problems faced by today s enterprise. It is important to realize, however, that a successful VDI rollout requires specific expertise and knowhow. This has historically limited many virtualization deployments to larger, centralized organizations those that are likely to have dedicated IT staff to throw at the issue. Dell can change the paradigm and help you realize all the benefits of virtualization today, regardless of your company s size or distribution. We start with helping you assess your organization to make sure there is a good fit. After that, we can help you with deployment, evaluation, implementation, and Page 7
even day-to-day management. You can tailor the Dell solution to fit your specific requirements, ensuring that you get exactly the equipment and service you need. Page 8