Virtual infrastructures are a fantastic solution to the challenges of a distributed server architecture. However, the native storage virtualization capabilities shipped with VMware ESX Server do not provide the same benefits and hardware reductions as those seen in the server space. Many customers have experienced an increase in storage requirements after implementing their virtual infrastructure. The reasons for this increase are many, including but not limited to a requirement for a shared storage platform, inefficiencies in the multiple layers of storage virtualization, overprovisioning, and challenges with backups that can lead to inefficient disk-to-disk backup solutions.

This technical report demonstrates how integrating Network Appliance technologies in a virtual infrastructure can solve the unique challenges inherent with ESX deployments in the areas of storage utilization, fault tolerance, and backups. With Network Appliance virtualized storage and data management solutions, customers can make dramatic gains in these areas. This report also reviews backup solutions for VMware deployments that are not on NetApp storage.