Introduction to Virtualisation

What will you learn?

On completion of this course, delegates will be able to:

Describe virtualisation, why it is important and the different products available.
Explain different drivers for implementing virtualisation.
Explain the different types of virtualisation and how it works.
Describe the background to workstation virtualisation.
Apply knowledge of VMware Workstation to utilise existing virtual machines.
Apply knowledge of VMware Workstation to create Virtual Machines.
Explain how snapshot and clone technology can be used in testing.
Describe how advanced features can be used within VMware.
Apply experience of VMware scenarios from the course to use at individual institutions.
Identify how different Operating Systems handle virtualisation.
Describe a basic Microsoft Virtual Server installation.
Describe a basic VMware ESX Server installation.
Describe how one starts to implement virtualisation in the Data Centre.
Describe different technologies that support storage requirements for Virtual Machines.
Identify suitable strategies for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.
Describe methods of troubleshooting VMware Workstation.
Identify possible problems when managing VMware ESX Server.
Apply knowledge of Hardware and Storage troubleshooting to assist with future diagnostics.
Demonstrate awareness of virtualisation in hardware developments.
Show awareness of current virtualisation shortcomings and what may be addressed in the future.
Describe network specific future developments including virtual switch technology.

Course Overview

This course introduces the topic of virtualisation, focusing on the successful implementation of the technology on campus networks with its impact on infrastructure and security. Virtualisation technology has its roots in the mainframe technology of the mid 1960s but recently has seen resurgence. Allowing multiple instances of an Operating System to share the same hardware with more granular control of machine configuration and networking has huge benefits.

The ability to run multiple Operating Systems on the same hardware has cost benefits, addresses the problem of underutilised server hardware, can assist with business continuity as well as supporting the increasing green agenda.

Topics Covered

Introduction to Virtualisation
Workstation Virtualisation
Workstation Workflow Features
Server Virtualisation
Virtualisation in the Data Centre
Basic Virtual Machine Troubleshooting
Future Developments

Benefits

This course provides participants with hands on experience of Virtualisation technology, the background theory and complete implementation examples. Hands on experience is provided showing how the technology can be used in different environments. How to test patches, simulate network changes, monitoring uses and security analysis examples.

Who should attend?

This course will be of interest to staff working at JANET connected organisation with responsibility for Network Management or Server System Administrators.. The course requires no previous experience in Virtualisation, but assumes a degree of familiarity with basic Networking and Server Operating System concepts. Experience with using a Windows computer and a standard web browser is required. Staff interested in this course but who do not have a good understanding of networking technology may wish to attend our ‘Basic Networking’ course prior to registering for this course.

Timetable/On the Day

The course timetable will be adjusted on the day to allow discussion of areas of particular interest to the audience. The course will therefore run from 10am to 4.30pm . Registration will take place from 09:30 – 10:00.

This course is split into two sections. During the morning, there will be a number of presentations introducing the topic. In the afternoon, delegates split into small groups to carry out activities relating to the creation of Information Security Policies.

All delegates will receive a workbook specifically written for the course.

A buffet lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Cost

The cost for staff working in Government funded Higher Education Institutes, Further Education Colleges and the Research Councils is £180 including VAT

All Regional Broadband Consortia, Local Authorties and delegates from UK Schools will be charged £200 including VAT

For further details please see Training Prices.