Thursday, January 12, 2012
(Not so) Random Thought of The Day #3
Obamacare was modeled after Romneycare in MA. If Mitt wins the Republican nomination and runs against Obama for president, will there be a real choice?
Changes are a Comin'
Changes are always coming! There are few things as consistent in IT as change. The first "system" that I fancied myself an "expert" on was Novell NetWare 3.11. Then LANtastic, Then Windows NT 3.51. Then... well you get the picture. IT technologies, strategies, directions all change over time. I've turned down job offers when I thought it might lock me into any one product or technology for any length of time.
So this year will be no different. When I read the feature list for Microsoft Hyper-V 3.0 a couple of months ago, I started telling my peers to keep their eyes open. For 2012, VMware will remain the market and technology leader. I have no doubt about that. But competitors are catching up. It happens all of the time (i.e. IE vs. Netscape). The march of innovation will continue to force change on all of us. That's one of the things I enjoy about IT and technology in general.
I was inspired to write a few thoughts here after reading Mr. Ruben's article on his virtualization landscape predictions for 2012. Check it out here to read more.
So this year will be no different. When I read the feature list for Microsoft Hyper-V 3.0 a couple of months ago, I started telling my peers to keep their eyes open. For 2012, VMware will remain the market and technology leader. I have no doubt about that. But competitors are catching up. It happens all of the time (i.e. IE vs. Netscape). The march of innovation will continue to force change on all of us. That's one of the things I enjoy about IT and technology in general.
I was inspired to write a few thoughts here after reading Mr. Ruben's article on his virtualization landscape predictions for 2012. Check it out here to read more.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Snapshotting Large Files on Large Datastores
The error:
File <unspecified filename> is larger than the maximum size supported by datastore '<unspecified datastore>
The problem:
The VM has 2 virtual disks, one for the primary system OS on datastore1 formatted with a 2MB block size, the other for data on datastore2 formatted with an 8MB block size.
In vSphere 4.1, when a snap is created on a VM with the above configuration it will put the change files in the same datastore/directory as the VMX file (datastore1 in this case). So it will try to create a VMDK with the same provisioned size as the original VMDK, although the actual size will typically be much smaller since this file holds only the changes since the snap was created.
Consider a VM with VMDK1 on Datastore1 with a size of 30GB and VMDK2 on Datastore2 with a size of 512GB. Datastore1 was formatted with 2MB block size and Datastore2 was formatted with 4MB size. As long as VMDK2 is less than 512GB, the snap will complete successfully. However, if VMDK2 is over 512GB, the snap will fail with the error listed above even though Datastore2 is capable of hosting virtual disks/VMDKs up to 1TB in size.
I haven't tried this with vSphere 5 yet but will update this post as soon as I have completed testing. I would expect the same results, especially for upgraded datastores.
The solution:
The best practice is to format all datastores with the same block size (a non-issue for vSphere 5). This will allow you to avoid the problem all-together.
You can also exclude the VMDK on the datastore formatted with the larger block size by changing the virtual disk mode to Independent/Persistent. The main downside is you won't be able to capture image/VMDK-based backups.
Also consider this chart from VMware KB1003565:
File <unspecified filename> is larger than the maximum size supported by datastore '<unspecified datastore>
The problem:
The VM has 2 virtual disks, one for the primary system OS on datastore1 formatted with a 2MB block size, the other for data on datastore2 formatted with an 8MB block size.
In vSphere 4.1, when a snap is created on a VM with the above configuration it will put the change files in the same datastore/directory as the VMX file (datastore1 in this case). So it will try to create a VMDK with the same provisioned size as the original VMDK, although the actual size will typically be much smaller since this file holds only the changes since the snap was created.
Consider a VM with VMDK1 on Datastore1 with a size of 30GB and VMDK2 on Datastore2 with a size of 512GB. Datastore1 was formatted with 2MB block size and Datastore2 was formatted with 4MB size. As long as VMDK2 is less than 512GB, the snap will complete successfully. However, if VMDK2 is over 512GB, the snap will fail with the error listed above even though Datastore2 is capable of hosting virtual disks/VMDKs up to 1TB in size.
I haven't tried this with vSphere 5 yet but will update this post as soon as I have completed testing. I would expect the same results, especially for upgraded datastores.
The solution:
The best practice is to format all datastores with the same block size (a non-issue for vSphere 5). This will allow you to avoid the problem all-together.
You can also exclude the VMDK on the datastore formatted with the larger block size by changing the virtual disk mode to Independent/Persistent. The main downside is you won't be able to capture image/VMDK-based backups.
Also consider this chart from VMware KB1003565:
Block Size
|
Largest virtual disk on VMFS-2
|
Largest virtual disk on VMFS-3
| Largest virtual disk on VMFS-5 |
1MB
|
456GB
|
256GB
|
2TB minus 512B
|
2MB
|
912GB
|
512GB
|
Valid if upgraded from VMFS-3
|
4MB
|
1.78TB
|
1TB
|
Valid if upgraded from VMFS-3
|
8MB
|
2TB
|
2TB minus 512B
|
Valid if upgraded from VMFS-3
|
16MB
|
2TB
|
Invalid block size
|
Invalid block size
|
32MB
|
2TB
|
Invalid block size
|
Invalid block size
|
64MB
|
2TB
|
Invalid block size
|
Invalid block size
|
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
When is a USB Key Not a Flash Drive?
When it's a webkey.
It's a dirty little trick! I picked up what I thought was a standard USB key from a vendor (COMMVAULT) at VMworld 2010. I recently had a need to have a few small documents on hand and thought I would re-use this device as a flash drive to store these docs.
I inserted the USB key into the USB port and waited while the familiar "Windows is installing the driver for this device" message popped-up. About 1 second after that, I saw the Start | Run window pop-up and it almost looked like someone was typing a URL in the text box and hit enter. Next thing I know I'm looking at Commvault's VMworld 2010 website.
You can learn more by Googling "webkey". This is basically a stick that when you plug it in, opens a URL. That's it. There's no flash memory on it.
Boo Commvault and whomever else is using these things. I mean really? Text or email me the URL, that will be much more handy. The Commvault webkey that opens a 2 year-old web site now sits in the trashcan. I give webkeys a big thumbs-down! Just a bad idea.
It's a dirty little trick! I picked up what I thought was a standard USB key from a vendor (COMMVAULT) at VMworld 2010. I recently had a need to have a few small documents on hand and thought I would re-use this device as a flash drive to store these docs.
I inserted the USB key into the USB port and waited while the familiar "Windows is installing the driver for this device" message popped-up. About 1 second after that, I saw the Start | Run window pop-up and it almost looked like someone was typing a URL in the text box and hit enter. Next thing I know I'm looking at Commvault's VMworld 2010 website.
You can learn more by Googling "webkey". This is basically a stick that when you plug it in, opens a URL. That's it. There's no flash memory on it.
Boo Commvault and whomever else is using these things. I mean really? Text or email me the URL, that will be much more handy. The Commvault webkey that opens a 2 year-old web site now sits in the trashcan. I give webkeys a big thumbs-down! Just a bad idea.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Occupy What?
These people are wasting their time. Politicians in Washington already share the same ideas. So are these demonstrations some sort of PR campaign or an effort to recruit moderates to their cause? They should just move on, er, wait, these are probably the same people from MoveOn.org, never-mind! (That's a joke in case you missed it.)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
NGD - The StratoHog
Another Rondo deal here: http://www.rondomusic.com/sst57mhlh.html
A mahogany strat w/P90's? Why not? This is a nice heavy beast. The grain of the three-piece body is beautiful and really the main reason I bought it. It needs all of the upgrades that most SX's do: new nut, strings, saddles, block, locking tuners, pots, cap, output jack and de-goo'ing the neck.
So besides replacing the parts as mentioned above, here's the plan:
I've got 2 SD59 pickups collecting dust. I'm not a fan of noisy P90's. New pickguard + old pickups = sweet sounding strat.
I've read that the string spacing is so different on strats that the pole pieces on traditional humbuckers don't line up with the strings so you have to use "trembucker" pickups. I held up the SD to the strings and they seemed to match perfectly to my naked eye so I'm moving forward with it.
Here what it looks like now and then what it will sort of look like when I'm done (but left-handed):
I'll post pics as I make progress on the transformation. Stay tuned!
A mahogany strat w/P90's? Why not? This is a nice heavy beast. The grain of the three-piece body is beautiful and really the main reason I bought it. It needs all of the upgrades that most SX's do: new nut, strings, saddles, block, locking tuners, pots, cap, output jack and de-goo'ing the neck.
So besides replacing the parts as mentioned above, here's the plan:
I've got 2 SD59 pickups collecting dust. I'm not a fan of noisy P90's. New pickguard + old pickups = sweet sounding strat.
I've read that the string spacing is so different on strats that the pole pieces on traditional humbuckers don't line up with the strings so you have to use "trembucker" pickups. I held up the SD to the strings and they seemed to match perfectly to my naked eye so I'm moving forward with it.
Here what it looks like now and then what it will sort of look like when I'm done (but left-handed):
I'll post pics as I make progress on the transformation. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Another VMworld in the Can
VMworld 2011 was the best conference in years. Here's why:
Location: The conference was held in Las Vegas this year. What a great change of pace from San Francisco. Better food, better entertainment. VMware announced it will be back in San Fran for 2012. I hope VMware is getting one helluva deal to keep making attendees return to the same city over and over again. Hey - you get an apple with your boxed lunch every day and the mayor's face in on a sticker on the box - what a deal (what a joke)! Please, anywhere but San Fran again! I'd even go back to LA.
Key Notes: I believe we are now seeing a "post-infrastructure" VMware with a consistent, rational vision for the first time. And I mean a vision that could serve them for the next 5+ years. I won't rehash it here - I believe everyone in IT should watch VMware CTO Dr. Steve Herrod's session, whether your a VMware fan or not. Even if they get it 60% right, it will still have a major impact on the future of IT. And let's face it, VMware currently has the "brain-share" with IT professionals that Novell and Microsoft once had. Watch Dr. Herrod's session here: Engineering the Future
Program Guide: After registering and picking up my backpack and lanyard, I didn't understand why the no pocket used to store my printed schedule was missing. They really shouldn't have given this as a print format option as it was unnecessary. This year you could download a free iPhone or Android app. This app was awesome - kudos to VMware! My only complaint was that it was a little graphics heavy (warning you to use WiFi while running the app for best results is a good indication that something's up).
VMworld Party: Okay, the party before the band, the Killers, was great. The party after the band, the Killers, was great. The band, the Killers, sucked. Sorry but it's true. First of all, they appeal to a limited demographic. Secondly, their music sounds like whiny Euro-trash. I gave them a shot and watch the first half of the gig (it was all I could stand). Third, no interaction with the audience, they just stood up there and played. I was bored. Worst VMworld party band yet. Highlight of the night - my buddy spilled beer on some girl's purse and she when psycho on him - you had to be there to appreciate it, she was hilarious (poor girl, entertainment was at her expense). Let's hope next year is better. On a positive note, the percussionist group, food and drink were excellent.
Best of Awards: Just a few comments here... I think it's odd that VKernel won best of virtualization management last year and they're not even a runner-up this year. It makes me wonder if previous awards are factored into the scoring/criteria (i.e. 'let's give it to someone new this year')? I also find it interesting that a host-based replication product won best of BCDR and best of show. See my previous article on vSphere Replication (nice!). I don't take these as seriously as I used to - in part due to the fact that I saw many other excellent products in the solutions exchange. But here the list for those interested: Best of VMworld 2011 Awards
Solutions Exchange: Very good again this year. Seemed roomier - not sure if it is because the space was bigger of if there were fewer booths. No real unique or useful swag this year - mostly T-shirts and miscellaneous trinkets. Note-to-self: go to Splunk's booth for T-shirt first! They usually have the most clever sayings and this year they went fast, like the first night. The "crawls" (food/alcohol) were great as usual. I highly recommend spending a lot of time there talking to vendors as part of your conference experience.
Attendance: Attendance has gone up every year and this year was no different. 19,000 were present on Monday up from 17,000 last year. It would have been 20,000 except for hurricane Irene. This reminds me - it seems like something bad happens just around VMworld almost every year. This year hurricane, last time in Vegas it was record rain storms, 2008, stock market crash, another year we (the Midwest) had a wind storm like nothing seen for over 100 years causing homes and businesses to be without power for a week or more (my wife handled it like a champ!). If I remember correctly, there was even some weird moon/sun/earth anomaly that happened during the first VMworld in 2004.
CTO Party: Having been selected among other vExperts at random, I was invited to this party for the first time. I hope I get invited again next year as this was a special event. Both CEO Paul Maritz and CTO Steve Herrod was there along with a number of top VMware engineers including the guy that invented vMotion (how cool is that!). I got to meet several interesting guys, one of which works just north of me (small world).
Alumni Elite Event: I am among about 45 people that have attended every VMworld conference. Last year there were 55 so that's a drop of roughly 18%. That means if I attend the conference for approximately the next 10 years I'l be the last Alumni Elite standing! But I digress... To show their appreciation VMware invited us to dinner and a show. Dinner was decent, the gift bag was just okay - an iPod Shuffle and CD soundtrack of the show we were going to attend (I'm giving the iPod to my nephew - my family will remain iDevice-free!). I met an "interesting" gentleman that paid for the show himself "to keep his streak alive". Hmmm... don't think I would ever do that. The show was Le Reve. Great show but would have been better seeing it with my wife. I can't complain though as we got VIP seats that included champagne and some fantastic truffles.
Signage: There was lot's of interesting signage this year. This site documents it best: 20 Memorable Examples Of VMworld 2011 Signage I'd also like to include one of my own. Oracle had these signs on top of just about every cab in Vegas. They're hilarious!
LMAO... That reminds me, I learned another ancorynm - FML. If you don't know. I can't keep up with the kids! At this rate texting acronyms will become their own language.
Anyway, yet another great conference. People often ask me why I go year after year. Well, see above. If this stuff is boring to you, have your pulse checked. If you have a pulse, get out of IT and do something different, life is too short!
I'm sure there are other highlights I missed but expect to see some future articles that have a tie-in to things I learned at VMworld. I may also write a "survival guide" before the next conference. There are several already published in the blogosphere so I'll have to see if I have anything to add.
Now go upgrade your cluster to vSphere 5.0!
Location: The conference was held in Las Vegas this year. What a great change of pace from San Francisco. Better food, better entertainment. VMware announced it will be back in San Fran for 2012. I hope VMware is getting one helluva deal to keep making attendees return to the same city over and over again. Hey - you get an apple with your boxed lunch every day and the mayor's face in on a sticker on the box - what a deal (what a joke)! Please, anywhere but San Fran again! I'd even go back to LA.
Key Notes: I believe we are now seeing a "post-infrastructure" VMware with a consistent, rational vision for the first time. And I mean a vision that could serve them for the next 5+ years. I won't rehash it here - I believe everyone in IT should watch VMware CTO Dr. Steve Herrod's session, whether your a VMware fan or not. Even if they get it 60% right, it will still have a major impact on the future of IT. And let's face it, VMware currently has the "brain-share" with IT professionals that Novell and Microsoft once had. Watch Dr. Herrod's session here: Engineering the Future
Program Guide: After registering and picking up my backpack and lanyard, I didn't understand why the no pocket used to store my printed schedule was missing. They really shouldn't have given this as a print format option as it was unnecessary. This year you could download a free iPhone or Android app. This app was awesome - kudos to VMware! My only complaint was that it was a little graphics heavy (warning you to use WiFi while running the app for best results is a good indication that something's up).
VMworld Party: Okay, the party before the band, the Killers, was great. The party after the band, the Killers, was great. The band, the Killers, sucked. Sorry but it's true. First of all, they appeal to a limited demographic. Secondly, their music sounds like whiny Euro-trash. I gave them a shot and watch the first half of the gig (it was all I could stand). Third, no interaction with the audience, they just stood up there and played. I was bored. Worst VMworld party band yet. Highlight of the night - my buddy spilled beer on some girl's purse and she when psycho on him - you had to be there to appreciate it, she was hilarious (poor girl, entertainment was at her expense). Let's hope next year is better. On a positive note, the percussionist group, food and drink were excellent.
Best of Awards: Just a few comments here... I think it's odd that VKernel won best of virtualization management last year and they're not even a runner-up this year. It makes me wonder if previous awards are factored into the scoring/criteria (i.e. 'let's give it to someone new this year')? I also find it interesting that a host-based replication product won best of BCDR and best of show. See my previous article on vSphere Replication (nice!). I don't take these as seriously as I used to - in part due to the fact that I saw many other excellent products in the solutions exchange. But here the list for those interested: Best of VMworld 2011 Awards
Solutions Exchange: Very good again this year. Seemed roomier - not sure if it is because the space was bigger of if there were fewer booths. No real unique or useful swag this year - mostly T-shirts and miscellaneous trinkets. Note-to-self: go to Splunk's booth for T-shirt first! They usually have the most clever sayings and this year they went fast, like the first night. The "crawls" (food/alcohol) were great as usual. I highly recommend spending a lot of time there talking to vendors as part of your conference experience.
Attendance: Attendance has gone up every year and this year was no different. 19,000 were present on Monday up from 17,000 last year. It would have been 20,000 except for hurricane Irene. This reminds me - it seems like something bad happens just around VMworld almost every year. This year hurricane, last time in Vegas it was record rain storms, 2008, stock market crash, another year we (the Midwest) had a wind storm like nothing seen for over 100 years causing homes and businesses to be without power for a week or more (my wife handled it like a champ!). If I remember correctly, there was even some weird moon/sun/earth anomaly that happened during the first VMworld in 2004.
CTO Party: Having been selected among other vExperts at random, I was invited to this party for the first time. I hope I get invited again next year as this was a special event. Both CEO Paul Maritz and CTO Steve Herrod was there along with a number of top VMware engineers including the guy that invented vMotion (how cool is that!). I got to meet several interesting guys, one of which works just north of me (small world).
Alumni Elite Event: I am among about 45 people that have attended every VMworld conference. Last year there were 55 so that's a drop of roughly 18%. That means if I attend the conference for approximately the next 10 years I'l be the last Alumni Elite standing! But I digress... To show their appreciation VMware invited us to dinner and a show. Dinner was decent, the gift bag was just okay - an iPod Shuffle and CD soundtrack of the show we were going to attend (I'm giving the iPod to my nephew - my family will remain iDevice-free!). I met an "interesting" gentleman that paid for the show himself "to keep his streak alive". Hmmm... don't think I would ever do that. The show was Le Reve. Great show but would have been better seeing it with my wife. I can't complain though as we got VIP seats that included champagne and some fantastic truffles.
Signage: There was lot's of interesting signage this year. This site documents it best: 20 Memorable Examples Of VMworld 2011 Signage I'd also like to include one of my own. Oracle had these signs on top of just about every cab in Vegas. They're hilarious!
LMAO... That reminds me, I learned another ancorynm - FML. If you don't know. I can't keep up with the kids! At this rate texting acronyms will become their own language.
Anyway, yet another great conference. People often ask me why I go year after year. Well, see above. If this stuff is boring to you, have your pulse checked. If you have a pulse, get out of IT and do something different, life is too short!
I'm sure there are other highlights I missed but expect to see some future articles that have a tie-in to things I learned at VMworld. I may also write a "survival guide" before the next conference. There are several already published in the blogosphere so I'll have to see if I have anything to add.
Now go upgrade your cluster to vSphere 5.0!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)