This week, you have read about server virtualization and cloud computing in chapter 6 of your textbook. For your written assignment this week, complete a case study of the organization you work for (use a hypothetical or “other” organization if more applicable) that will address the following prompts: • Describe the organization’s environment, and evaluate its preparedness for virtualization. • Explain Microsoft (or another product) licensing for virtualized environments. • Recommend a configuration for shared storage; make sure to discuss the need for high availability and redundancy for virtualization for the organization. • Explain Windows Azure capabilities for virtual machines and managing a hybrid cloud, including Windows Azure’s Internet as a Service (IaaS) and storage capabilities Make a recommendation for cloud computer use in the organization, including a justification for your recommendations. Submit your midterm research paper as a single document. Your paper should meet the following requirements: • Be approximately four to six pages in length (1200-1800 words), not including the required cover page and reference page. • Follow APA6 guidelines. Your paper should include an introduction, a body with fully developed content, and a conclusion.

Introduction

With the increasing adoption of technology in organizations, server virtualization and cloud computing have become crucial concepts in the IT landscape. This case study will aim to evaluate the organization’s environment, assess its preparedness for virtualization, discuss licensing for virtualized environments, recommend a configuration for shared storage, and explore the capabilities of Windows Azure for virtual machines and managing a hybrid cloud. Additionally, a recommendation for cloud computing use in the organization will be provided, along with a justification for the recommendation.

Organization’s Environment and Preparedness for Virtualization

The organization in focus is a multinational software development company operating in the technology sector. It has a complex IT infrastructure with a multitude of servers dedicated to various applications, such as development, testing, and production environments. Currently, the organization’s servers are deployed in a traditional physical infrastructure setup.

To evaluate the organization’s preparedness for virtualization, several factors must be considered. Firstly, the existing infrastructure should be assessed for its scalability and flexibility. Virtualization offers the advantage of easily adding or removing virtual machines (VMs) based on the organization’s needs. If the current infrastructure lacks the ability to scale quickly or adapt to changing demands, virtualization can provide a suitable solution.

Secondly, the organization’s IT team’s level of expertise in virtualization technologies must be assessed. Adequate knowledge and training on virtualization platforms, such as VMware or Hyper-V, are essential for successful implementation and management. If the IT team lacks proficiency in virtualization, additional training or hiring of specialized staff may be required.

Licensing for Virtualized Environments

When it comes to licensing in virtualized environments, the organization must consider the licensing requirements imposed by software vendors. Microsoft, for example, has specific guidelines for licensing their products in virtualized environments. These guidelines dictate the number of licenses needed based on factors such as the number of VMs and physical servers.

To ensure compliance with licensing requirements, the organization should consult with Microsoft or its software vendors directly to understand the specific licensing model applicable to their virtualized environment. This will help avoid any legal ramifications and ensure a smooth transition to virtualization.

Configuration for Shared Storage and High Availability

In a virtualized environment, shared storage plays a crucial role in ensuring high availability and redundancy. The organization should consider implementing a storage area network (SAN) or a network-attached storage (NAS) solution to provide shared storage for VMs.

High availability can be achieved by implementing redundant storage mechanisms, such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) or replication. This will allow for seamless failover in the event of a storage failure, ensuring uninterrupted services for the organization’s critical applications. The choice of shared storage solution will depend on factors such as cost, performance requirements, and scalability.

Windows Azure Capabilities for Virtual Machines and Managing a Hybrid Cloud

Windows Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, offers a range of capabilities for virtual machines and hybrid cloud management. Windows Azure’s Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows organizations to deploy and manage VMs in the cloud. This provides scalability and flexibility, particularly for organizations dealing with fluctuating workloads or seasonal demands.

Furthermore, Windows Azure offers robust storage capabilities, such as Azure Blob Storage and Azure File Storage. These storage options provide secure and scalable storage solutions for organizations, eliminating the need for dedicated on-premises storage infrastructure.

Recommendation for Cloud Computing Use

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