Using Virtualisation To Consolidate Existing IT Resources

Using existing resources effectively

But it's not always appropriate to resource a complete new suite of software with all the Capex consequences that result. Many organisations are forced - usually because of budgetary constraints - down the Opex reduction route before they can prove the case for new software.

It's against this backdrop that IBM has developed new systems software for managing virtualised servers, designed to help clients plan, build and maintain their data centres, whilst at the same time reducing their overall costs.

IBM's approach, as an example, is to help clients protect their long-term investments in Power Systems by offering an upgraded path to its next-generation servers that will include POWER7 microprocessors.

The new systems software - IBM Systems Director VMControl - is billed as giving clients a tool to manage heterogeneous virtual servers.

In use, it allows users to discover, display, monitor and locate virtual resources; create and manage virtual servers; and deploy and manage workloads with a common interface across IBM System z mainframes, System x x86-based servers, BladeCentre, and Power Systems AIX, Linux and i platforms.