| http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; | | | | software already provides a hub for reporting an |
| charset=utf-8"> | | | | alert, you can add in your virtualized environments |
| Virtualized resources in your network must be | | | | for further integration. Since virtualization is still |
| monitored differently than traditional hardware. | | | | relatively new and could open a Pandora’s |
| Why? With virtualization, you are working with | | | | Box of problems down the road, this could really |
| much less hardware and a whole lot more | | | | save you potential headaches over time. |
| software. Thus, there are different needs, | | | | As virtualization becomes more prevalent, |
| because of how these environments will tax your | | | | companies like Cisco are quickly adopting new |
| hardware. | | | | features to their switches that allow ease of use |
| The biggest provider of virtualization is VMWare. | | | | with virtual machines. Cisco’s Nexus 1000V |
| So it is beneficial to use performance monitoring | | | | switches are a great example. They can provide |
| software that allows you to take a close look at | | | | the virtual switch link needed for environments |
| the VMWare application infrastructure, such as the | | | | that are provided by VMWare. One problem with |
| vCenter Server that controls servers with | | | | this setup is that many engineers become |
| virtualized environments. | | | | concerned that proper performance monitoring |
| Using vCenter Server on its own can be helpful, | | | | cannot be done with virtual switches. Fortunately, |
| but you’ll be better off if you use a | | | | there are solutions for this, allowing easy access |
| monitoring package that integrates vCenter with | | | | to Cisco’s VNLink service, and providing |
| the rest of your network. No one wants to have | | | | the software for a virtual switch into an |
| more software open on their workstation than | | | | environment. |
| needed, so an integration of vCenter into existing | | | | You’ve heard about virtualization and all its |
| network monitoring tools can help to reduce | | | | benefits, but you hear a lot less about how you |
| complexity where it really isn’t needed. | | | | are going to properly monitor performance on the |
| Plus, since network performance management | | | | hardware and software. |