| Test labs: we know that we need them. But getting | | | | have features like unlimited snapshots and cloning. Be |
| one off the ground can seem an insurmountable task! | | | | sure to check the software licensing particulars when |
| So to help you roll up your sleeves and get started, | | | | creating clones to be sure that you are in compliance. |
| here is a summary of how we set up test labs for | | | | Virtual Machine Use: Here are just a few of the many |
| our customers, plus some practical ideas to help you | | | | ways you can use your virtual test lab! |
| get the most out of your test lab after it is up and | | | | * Application Development: First, create a Windows |
| running! | | | | Application Development virtual machine that just |
| Hardware: In previous years, getting approval to set | | | | contains the base OS with patches and any |
| up a test environment was tough due to the number | | | | application development tools needed, and take a |
| of devices and the class of hardware that were | | | | snapshot. Then, for each application you develop, |
| needed. As hardware has improved and virtualization | | | | return to the original snapshot, develop the app and |
| technology has moved forward, we can now build a | | | | take a new snapshot. This creates a library of |
| test lab using a single workstation! | | | | snapshots that you can return to when patching or |
| When I set up a test lab for customers who are | | | | adjusting settings for a given app. |
| involved with developing application objects, both | | | | * Application Testing: You can also create a second |
| traditional and virtual, I recommend that, if possible, | | | | VM with just the base OS, patches, antivirus, Novell |
| they dedicate a machine to the task. For customers | | | | client, ZEN agent, etc., for testing the applications. Be |
| who are testing servers, new applications, or a new | | | | sure to take a base snapshot so that you can return |
| operating system, setting up virtual machines on their | | | | to it after each test. (You don't need to keep a |
| personal workstations is a great option (particularly if | | | | snapshot of the app tests: just the base.) Whether |
| they have a laptop). They can then work on the | | | | you are developing virtualized applications or MSIs |
| testing environment whenever they have time. Either | | | | with AdminStudio, this environment will serve you |
| way, here are some recommendations: | | | | well. |
| * Make sure the hardware is relatively new. While it is | | | | * Pre-migration Testing: Set up one or multiple |
| tempting to re-purpose an older machine, you will | | | | servers to mimic a production environment. Again, |
| quickly become frustrated if you don't have enough | | | | take a snapshot prior to making any changes. Then |
| RAM or disk space. | | | | test the migration you are planning, such as upgrading |
| * Put as much RAM possible into the machine. Most | | | | GroupWise, migrating to OES Linux, etc. By keeping a |
| testing can be done on machines with 4G of RAM. | | | | library of base virtual machines, the sky is the limit on |
| However, keep in mind that for testing products like | | | | the types of testing you can do. |
| ZCM, you may need even more. My dedicated test | | | | * Teaching, Training, and Demos: Keep a library of |
| machine has 8G of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and runs | | | | virtual machines on an external drive. This gives you a |
| Windows XP 64 bit. | | | | great way to quickly set up for classes or provide a |
| * Purchase an inexpensive external drive. This is | | | | product demo for your staff or end-users. For |
| great for moving, sharing, and storing your virtual | | | | example, you can do a lunch and learn to show your |
| machine library. You can also use it for backup. Just | | | | user community GroupWise tips and tricks, get your |
| be sure that you do a backup of this environment | | | | techs up to speed on ZCM, or present new software |
| periodically, for obvious reasons! | | | | to management to show off its capabilities. |
| Software: There are lots of free products out there | | | | Virtualization software has become a must-have tool |
| to use when creating virtual machines. Of course, | | | | in our consulting practice. Hopefully the ideas |
| some are better than others. While it is tempting to | | | | presented above will give you just the |
| use free products, you may quickly become | | | | encouragement you needed to get started! |
| frustrated with their limitations. Paid-for-products | | | | |