Linux vendor Red Hat also has a strong virtualization package. Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV) 3.0 beta was just released. RHEV is unique in the virtualization space in that it has a single console to manage both desktop virtualization and server virtualization. That simplicity has won over many fans including the likes of IBM. However, RHEV has always been weighed down by its dependence upon Windows Server. The 3.0 version severs this tie once and for all.

RHEV 3.0 and Windows Sever

As a strong player in the open-source arena, RHEV’s reliance on Microsoft’s proprietary server technologies has been a bit of an embarrassment, not to mention a driver of additional cost. RHEV’s management required a Windows Server to run, as well as Microsoft SQL Server, and for many features, even an Active Directory installation. In a primarily Windows environment, these servers already exist, but for an enterprise looking to bring in a new virtualization environment, the extra layer of licensing and Microsoft involvement is not welcome.

Furthermore, RHEV scripting uses Microsoft’s PowerShell. While PowerShell is a powerful scripting language, most Linux administrators prefer to run commands directly from the Linux command-line interface.

There is little doubt that Red Hat, with its massive open-source street credibility, would have built it’s enterprise-level virtualization offering on top of Microsoft’s flagship server offering and database server. However, Red Hat built the platform up after acquiring it from Qumranent, an entity that will not be missed by those who have the need to spell or pronounce company names. Since RHEV 2 was released, Red Hat has been diligently working to remove those unusual ties to Microsoft sever products.

RHEV 3.0 eliminates these dependencies on Windows Server and Microsoft SQL Server. RHEV 3.0 uses the open-source PostGres database instead of requiring MS SQL Server, and Linux admins will rejoice at version 3.0′s support for executing commands via the traditional Linux command-line.

RHEV 3.0 Features

Of course, there is more to releasing an enterprise-level virtualization product than just eliminating ties to Microsoft, and Red Hat’s Enterprise Virtualization package brings plenty of features to the table.

RHEV 3.0 brings more support for bigger scale implementations. It now supports 64 virtual CPUs and 2 terabytes of memory for hosts, up from the limit of 16 virtual CPUs and 256 gigabytes of memory in the previous version. Unlike previous .NET versions, Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager 3.0 is a full Java application running on the JBoss Enterprise Application Platform. The KVM hypervisor has been updated and is now based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.

Along with improved scalability, RHEV 3.0 beta promises improved administration capabilities. RHEV no longer requires Microsoft’s Active Directory. Users and administrators can be defined directly with the Linux Enterprise IPA. However, because there is widespread implementation of Active Directory among many companies, RHEV 3.0 still fully supports using Active Directory to manage and implement security and policies.

Additionally, a new multi-level administration scheme allows enterprises to enable more granular control for various systems administrators without giving full-scale access to admins who typically only handle specific tasks. In addition, a Java based graphical user interface portal allows users to provision and manage hypervisors and virtual machines without access to the back-end infrastructure, allowing routine matters to be pushed from under the umbrella of higher-level administrators.

Another improvement is that RHEV 3.0 beta can now be used with local storage disks. Earlier versions required either a Fiber Channel storage area network or iSCSI array. This is an important improvement as many SMBs are reluctant to implement shared storage for virtualization.

The Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager 3.0 beta is available now. The company hopes the final version will ship sometime before the end of 2011.

This View 5 training video features instructor Brian Knudtson explaining exactly how ThinApp functions, how it virtualizes applications, and the virtual file system and virtual registry. The video is transcribed for you below to be used for note taking, studying, maybe even scrapbooking.

About View 5 Essentials Training

Brian Knudtson and Lane Leverett put together this View 5 course to give IT pros a resource for the core concepts of VDI, View’s components, and installation & configuration while managing user profiles and data.

Video Transcription

Brian Knudtson: Let’s start by talking about how ThinApp virtualizes our Windows applications. Just like ESXi does for our hardware and operating system, ThinApp provides a layer of virtualization between the OS and the application. This has the advantage of taking the application and partially isolating it from both the OS and other applications that are running.

We have the ability to modify how isolated the application actually is. Because in some cases we don’t want to completely disassociate it from the OS or other applications, while in other situations we may want to completely isolate it. The ThinApp package itself runs in user mode. This has the benefit of not needing to have administrative rights in order to run an application. This does, however, put limitations on some of the applications that can run within the ThinApp bubble, mainly anything that would need administrative rights.

When an application is launched within ThinApp, it creates a bubbled environment that the application runs within. I like to use the bubble analogy because a bubble is a semi permeable membrane that allows some stuff to pass back and forth between it, while holding other things back.

Within this bubble, there’s a virtual file system and a virtual registry that the application uses to run. The folders, files, and registry keys that exist within this bubble can replace or merge with the OS’s file system and registry. We have the ability to determine which ones we’ll replace and which ones we’ll merge, but generally speaking, if it’s defined within the virtual file system or virtual registry within the bubble, it’s going to mask whatever may exist on the operating system.

In some use cases, we actually want to explicitly block access to certain registry keys within the operating system, even though we may not be providing a value within the bubble. As the user uses the application within the bubble, changes will need to be made to the file system and the registry. These changes are kept in a sandbox location, but it’s specific for that user and that application.

We can define where the sandbox location is going to be while we’re building the package if we keep the sandbox on a location that will always be available to the user, no matter what desktop they’re logged into. Whether it’s a non persistent or persistent virtual desktop, or even a physical desktop, it doesn’t matter to ThinApp. Any changes the user makes within the application are stored in the sandbox, so as long as a user can access their sandbox location, they’ll maintain those customizations as they roam from desktop to desktop.

While we’re creating the ThinApp package, we’ll define the permeability of the bubble, both at the file system and the registry level. One of the major advantages of ThinApp is the ability to package the application once and then deploy it across multiple different Windows operating systems. The most important thing to keep in mind here is that if we want to deploy it to a certain operating system and above, we need to package it on that lowest level of operating system that we would want to deploy it to. This will come into play when we talk about the best practices for our packaging machine.

When packaged, a ThinApp application actually exists as a single executable file or as a collection of files, depending on how we define the package. This makes it highly portable and simple to access. Each individual executable that makes up the application can become an entry point to the ThinApp package. These entry points will be represented by individual, executable files and provide access into the bubble.

VMware View 5 Essentials Training: Available Now

Learn how to centralize desktops as virtual machines with optimized PCoIP, persona management, and ThinApp with VMware View 5 Essentials. You’ll not only learn the new features of View 5, you will know basics like the components of View, all the way through topics on troubleshooting and monitoring.

Properly configuring and maintaining a VDI hinges on a solid understanding of the infrastrucutre and how to foresee issues while actually in the workplace. Here are some key lessons for admins up to the challenge:

• How to Manage User Profiles and Data
• Set Up Location-Based Printing
• How to Virtualize Apps with ThinApp
• Upgrading to View 5

Instruction by two leading virtualization experts, Lane Leverett and Brian Knudtson, allows students to walk away from the course knowing VDI, ThinApp and what’s new with View 5. If you have been tasked with implementing a virtual infrastructure and need help to get it up and running, this course is made for you. With some background managing desktop OS with Active Directory and any level of familiarity with vSphere, you can find youself moving from an intro to the core concepts of VDI, to a practical ability to manage desktop pools, user data, printing, and virtual applications.

VMware View 5 Essentials gets you started in virtualization and your View environment up and running.

The infographic shows that application virtualization actually improved the quality of service while reducing total cost of ownership. If you’re considering application virtualization for your organization, check out this infographic and our brand new training that will provide you with the essentials of desktop and application virtualization with VMware View 5.

Thank you so much for your support and your votes! Our virtualization instructors along with the entire TrainSignal team want to thank you for helping us develop the best virtualization training available on the market.

In this short video, David Davis, TrainSignal’s lead virtualization instructor talks about the award and what it means for us.

The tools presented in this webinar have all made David’s and Kendrick’s top 25 list and are all completely free. Whether you’re a seasoned VMware pro or someone just starting to learn about virtualization, you’ll benefit from learning about these tools as they’ll undoubtedly will make your work more productive and enjoyable.

If you weren’t able to attend the live event, take a look at this video which includes the complete webinar presentation, from start to finish. And if you have any questions for David or Kendrick, don’t hesitate to contact them on Twitter (@davidmdavis and @KendrickColeman) or through their blogs (vmwarevideos.com and kendrickcoleman.com).

Implementing Cisco UCS Training

Installing and configuring UCS blades like Jason Nash is not a process made for newbies, but with some solid knowledge of Cisco networking and VMware virtualization learning the skills of a Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist is definitely feasible. Jason’s Cisco Unified Computing System training will show the IT pro with a diverse skill set how to implement with UCS technology from start to finish. Here are some highlights:

• Configuring LAN & SAN Connectivity
• Pools and Service Profiles
• UCS Architecture and Components
• DCUCI Exam Coverage

Capitalize on your cross-platform skill set with Implementing Cisco UCS Training.

I was excited to try it but haven’t had a chance until now while I am working on a free TrainSignal video training course titled: Introduction to Desktop Virtualization (more details about the course to follow, here on this website).

Since the time that I initially heard about Kaviza, they were bought by Citrix and “assimilated” into their “collective”. That made me fearful that Citrix would kill the project as it competed (on the SMB side) with XenDesktop. However, thankfully, Citrix has kept Kaviza alive and has renamed it “VDI-in-a-Box“. The only potentially negative thing that Citrix has done is to not post the pricing for VDI-in-a-Box publicly on their website (likely to prevent it from hurting sales of XenDesktop). Now, you have to fill out a form and request pricing or get it from your reseller. However, that isn’t too uncommon.

For me to be able to demo VDI-in-a-Box as part of my Intro to Desktop Virtualization course, I had to get it up and running and tested first. Thus, I recorded my complete installation, initial configuration, and testing of VDI-in-a-Box. I used a single vSphere ESXi server and the Windows AD option for authentication (although AD isn’t required). I happen to have a small NAS (Iomega IX4) in my lab and vCenter but those things aren’t required.

What Do You Think of VDI-in-a-Box?

The connection to my virtual desktop and the performance was fast, wasn’t it? What you saw in the video was real performance (not edited). What do you think of this product?

I am impressed with VDI-in-a-Box and I am awaiting a price quote now. My only recommendation for Citrix is to put pricing online instead of making you request a quote.

I suggest that you try out VDI-in-a-Box for yourself using the free 30 day eval. I think you’ll see that it can make desktop virtualization super-easy!

Stay tuned for more videos on VDI-in-a-Box as I plan to do further testing with it.

But how do you know which tools to use?

Get the Best Free vSphere Tools, Road Tested and Approved

Date: Wednesday, January 11^th 2012
Time: 2 PM – 3 PM CST

Registration: Register today. Seats are limited.

In this free webinar you’ll learn about 25+ essential tools that no VMware admin should go without. vExperts David Davis and Kendrick Coleman will present you with only the best, road tested, reviewed and approved tools that you can get for free. Tools that will help you with vSphere management, performance, reporting, scripting and a whole lot more.

Whether you’re an experienced virtualization pro or an admin just starting with VMware, you’ll benefit from learning about these 25 completely free tools.

In this one hour webinar you’ll learn:

• Why every VMware admin should use free virtualization tools
• Where to download the best free VMware tools
• Which free tools will make your job as a VMware admin easier and more productive

Registration is filling up fast and seats are limited! Signup for this free webinar today!

Implementing Cisco Unified Computing System Training: Available Now

This course has benn authored by VCDX #49 and vExpert Jason Nash to train professionals that are already using Cisco and VMware in an emerging technology. Implementing Cisco UCS Training will expand cross platform skill sets to help experienced IT pros turn into sought-after, certified experts.

The course is aimed at preparing students for the Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist exam (642-994). Video lessons address Cisco UCS concepts in the context of GUI and command line, and Jason Nash even demonstrates in a live server room how to work with UCS server blades. Students ultimately learn the best practices of Cisco UCS implementation from start to finish. Here are some of the key lessons:

• UCS Architecture & Components
• Configuring Connectivity
• Routine & Advanced Management of UCS
• Pools and Service Profiles

Certified Instruction

Instructor Jason Nash holds over 15 years of experience in IT and also made our vSphere Security Design Training course. As a recognized leader in the virtualization field, Jason’s learning environment combines networking expertise with critical business awareness in order to emphasize the opportunities provided by knowledge in multiple fields. Watch a video where Jason Nash explains the future of IT specializations.

If you are looking to take your Cisco and VMware experience to the next level, this cross-platform Implementing Cisco UCS course will help distinguish you as a certified expert who is competitive in the job market.

By default, a virtual machine reboots and discards changes when a user logs off which can be somewhat inconvenient depending on the scenario, like when doing testing. Elias Khnaser demonstrates which commands to use in PowerShell in order to properly modify logoff behavior away from the default setting.

Course instructor Elias Khnaser shows you how to manipulate AutoDeploy to configure any number of ESXi servers using the host profiles. Knowing how to use this new feature of vSphere 5 essentially allows you to deploy & configure a large virtual infrastructure, potentially containing hundreds of servers, in only a matter of hours.

We caught up with David Davis at TechMentor 2011 to find out what new things he’s working on with virtualization. In this interview, he explains his “Filibuster of vSphere Training,” a marathon-like session he gave at TechMentor about how to solve a variety of problems with vSphere, from troubleshooting and free tools, to the VCP-5.

David also had some exciting news to share about VMware View 5, so keep track of his activity in the virtualization community at VMware Videos and on Twitter @davidmdavis.

For a list of the free tools in the video, visit Kendrick’s free vSphere tools list. For questions about free tools or VMware virtualization, contact me, David Davis, on my contact page or leave a comment below.

VCDX, vExpert Scott Lowe just released his book, Mastering VMware vSphere 5, a comprehensive overview of the new features in vSphere 5. In our talk at VMworld 2011, he describes the advantages of using ESXi architecture, Storage DRS, Profile-Driven Storage, as well as advice for making the transition from vSphere 4 to vSphere 5. He talks about the ways increased scalability and the automation & policy management additions allow for flexibility in virtual infrastructures. To learn more about vSphere 5, check out our VMware vSphere 5 Training.

Read Scott’s blog, an extension of his published works, and follow him on Twitter @scott_lowe.

When he’s not throwing the biggest party at VMworld, Sean writes commentary on developments within the industry, conference presentations, reviews and more on his blog SeanClark.us. He also worked on our VMware vSphere Training Package, and when he’s not busy with all of those things he uses his technical expertise to volunteer in his local community of Normal, IL.

In this video inteview, Sean talks about PCI security compliance and the enhancements of vSphere 5, his favorite topic’s from this year’s VMworld. For more commentary on the session at Vmworld and other topics, check into his blog and follow him on Twitter @vSeanClark.

In this video interview, Greg explains how vDestination uses blogging and social networking to help more professionals get in touch with virtualization knowledge and resources. Here are some unique segments of the blog to keep an eye on:

• vExpert Corner: a vExpert group chat about the program
• Virtual Boardroom: Greg interviews CEOs of companies using virtualization
• VMworld & VMware Related Contests

Make sure to put vDestination on your list of content-rich virtualization websites, and follow Greg Stuart on Twitter @vDestination.