Quiz highlights benefits, limits of server virtualization

Server virtualization through the use of software products such as VMware has been implemented to varying degrees in corporate IT, with some successful and some not-so-successful outcomes. This year, the virtualization trend promises to continue apace.

How much do you know about the benefits, limitations and drawbacks of server virtualization? Take this quiz to see how your understanding compares with that of the experts -- and gain some food for thought as you contemplate whether and where to use virtualization.

1. On a particular server, within each virtual machine:

[a] You can run any version of Windows without regard for the version(s) running in the other virtual machines.

[b] The versions of Windows must be no more than one release apart.

[c] The versions of Windows must be exactly the same.

2. On a particular server:

[a] You can reboot a virtual machine without it having any effect on the other virtual machines.

[b] If you reboot one virtual machine, all the other virtual machines reboot at the same time.

[c] If you need to reboot one virtual machine, you have to first reboot the physical server. The individual virtual machines then reboot automatically when the physical machine reboot is finished.

3. When choosing which applications or databases to place on one physical machine -- using a virtual machine for each application -- it is best to:

[a] Choose a mixture of applications and databases with different workloads (some light, some heavy).

[b] Keep all the heavy-workload applications and databases together and all the light-workload applications and databases together.

4. Server virtualization and the use of blade servers are:

[a] Technically incompatible.

[b] Technologies that should be combined with caution to avoid putting too many eggs in one basket.

[c] Technologies that should be used together whenever possible.

5. The introduction of server virtualization in a data center:

[a] Will make the introduction of a storage-area network (SAN) absolutely necessary.

[b] Will make the introduction of a SAN desirable.

[c] Will not materially change storage requirements.

6. When it comes to avoiding major outages, the use of server virtualization:

[a] Reduces the frequency of hardware-related service outages.

[b] Has no material impact.

[c] Requires that levels of redundancy be increased to avoid an increase in outages affecting multiple applications or services.

For more questions, please click to the next page.

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