Issue: 9 - The Virtualization of Today.

Virtualization has taken shape across platforms through hardware, software and a combination of each. This technology has evolved into a mainstream option for all types of organizations regardless of industry. It changes the way that IT professionals view and manage storage and server infrastructure. In this issue of TrendSetter, we explore virtualization from various perspectives - the Intel server space, the UNIX server space, and in storage management. To begin, Mark Waldrep introduces the issue with an explanation of how these new technologies can create a wealth of value when backed with technology expertise. N. Dai Vu focuses on the ground-breaking POWER5 technologies and the virtualization capabilities of the IBM eServer p5 Servers. Meanwhile, Mendel Rosenblum of VMware and Stanford University looks at the virtual machine and the benefits IT Professionals can derive from the new virtualization developments. In the Software Corner, Diane Hage stresses the increased manageability advancements in Storage software -- including Storage Resource Manager and SAN Volume Controller (SVC). The SVC innovation is also a key tool emphasized within our Industry Trends Case Study and this quarter's Tech Tip.

• From the President's Desk
  Technology and Know-How Spell Benefits Mark Waldrep explains the new storage virtualization capabilities and how these solutions, with proper planning, can benefit your environment.
  
  
• Exploiting Virtualization on eServer p5
  N. Dai Vu of IBM highlights the simplification of IT infrastructures through the virtualization technologies of IBM's eServer p5 with POWER5 processors.
  
  
• The Reincarnation of the Virtual Machine
  Mendel Rosenblum of VMware details the concepts and benefits of joining the virtual evolution.
  
  
• Industry Trends
  Case Study: Cuisines Schmidt goes virtual with IBM TotalStorage SAN Volume Controller, for flexible, cost-effective storage.
  
  
• Software Corner:
  A Simplified Answer: Manageability of Storage using the SAN Volume Controller and Storage Resource Manager Diane Hage takes a look at simplifying storage environments and the value of your return.
  
  
• Tech Tip:
  SAN Volume Controller Cluster Limitation when working with PPRC/Remote Copy Services Debi Riedel lays out a solution when encountering this problem.
  
  

Flight Controls - Anonymous

At a recent computer software engineering course in the US, the participants were given an awkward question to answer: "If you had just boarded an airliner and discovered that your team of programmers had been responsible for the flight control software, how many of you would disembark immediately?"

Among the ensuing forest of raised hands only one man sat motionless. When asked what he would do, he replied that he would be quite content to stay on board. With his team's software, he reasoned, the plane was unlikely to even taxi as far as the runway, let alone take off.