As Virtualization Evolves, Avoid the Performance Nightmare

As one might expect, the virtual server world is evolving quickly. For example, a growing list of virtual "appliances" is now available; these are applications that contain just enough of an OS for the application to run optimally. They are especially handy for virtual servers as they can nearly be "plugged and played" as a virtual environment is built, and they don't encounter problems with OS compatibility or interaction with other applications.
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In another example, hypervisors (software that allows multiple virtual machines to run on a hardware platform) are being pre-installed by a growing list of hardware vendors so that enterprises can immediately begin building their VM operations. And in yet another example, enterprise-class VM management tools are being developed to allow the simple and easy management of the ever-growing number of guest VMs and servers.

Underlying all this fantastic technology, however, the basic hardware is saving files the way it always has. A single drive or set of drives is supporting a number of virtual machines -- and data from all of those machines is saved on the drive or set of drives. File fragmentation, which drastically slows down performance on any drive, has an even worse effect in virtual server environments.

Since a virtual machine has its own I/O request which is relayed to the host system, multiple I/O requests are occurring for each file request -- minimally, one request for the guest system, then another for the host system. When files are split into hundreds or thousands of fragments (not at all uncommon) it means multiple I/O requests for each fragment of every file. This scenario is then multiplied by the number of virtual machines resident on any host server. As you might imagine, this becomes a performance nightmare.

The only way to allow the smooth operation of virtual machines is with the right defrag technology. Such technology ensures that files stored at the hardware layer are consistently and automatically defragmented. This method uses only idle resources to defragment, which means that users are never negatively affected by the defrag process, and scheduling is never required. Virtual machine performance and reliability are constantly maximized.

With the substantial benefits provided by VM technology, such as reduced energy consumption and lowered occupation of space, it is imperative that the proper defrag technology be applied so that virtual server technology meets its goal of greater enterprise computing ability.

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BY PR-USA.NET Stuff
Source：PR-USA.NET

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