IBM Reference Configuration for Microsoft Private Cloud: Implementation GuideThe IBM® Reference Configuration for Microsoft Private Cloud provides businesses an affordable, interoperable, reliable, and industry-leading virtualization solution. Validated by the Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track program, the IBM Reference Configuration for Microsoft Private Cloud combines Microsoft software, consolidated guidance, and validated configurations for compute, network, storage, and value-added software components. The Microsoft program requires a minimum level of redundancy and fault tolerance across the servers, storage, and networking for both the management and production virtual machine (VM) clusters. These requirements help to ensure a certain level of fault tolerance while managing private cloud pooled resources. This IBM RedpaperTM publication explains how to set up and configure the IBM 8-Node Microsoft Private Cloud Fast Track solution used in the actual Microsoft program validation. The solution design consists of Microsoft Windows 2008 R2 Hyper-V clusters powered by IBM System x3650 M3 servers with IBM XIV® Storage System connected to IBM converged and Ethernet networks. This paper includes a short summary of the Reference Configuration software and hardware components, followed by best practice implementation guidelines. This paper targets mid-to-large sized organizations that consist of IT engineers who are familiar with the hardware and software that make up the IBM Cloud Reference Architecture. It also benefits the technical sales teams for IBM System x® and XIV and their customers who are evaluating or pursuing Hyper-V virtualization solutions. This paper is a partner to "IBM Reference Configuration for Microsoft Private Cloud: Deployment Guide," REDP-4828. |
