VMware ESX Server 2.12 Deployment Manual page 8

zero-downtime maintenance. If a physical server needs servicing, it can be
vacated; that is, all running VMs are moved to other ESX Server systems
without affecting users. The vacant system can be shutdown, repaired, then
placed back into service at which time VMs can be migrated back to it – all
without impacting availability to end users.
Dell configurations of ESX Server software and VirtualCenter allow users to:
• Implement server consolidation
• Deliver high availability and guaranteed service levels
• Streamline testing and deployment
• Scale hardware and software infrastructure
• Upgrade to current and standard hardware, independently of
software upgrades
This document is a companion guide to the VMware ESX Server 2.1
Installation Guide and provides specific information as it relates to
Dell servers and Dell recommended configurations. For the latest version of
this document see www.dell.com/vmware under the Resource tab. For more
information about ESX Server software and VirtualCenter, consult the
following documents, which are distributed with the software and are
available on the VMware Web site at www.vmware.com/support/esx21/ and
www.vmware.com/support/vc11/:
• ESX Server 2.1 Installation Guide
• ESX Server 2.1 Administrator's Guide
• Guest Operating System Installation Guide
• VMware Scripting API User's Manual
• VMware VirtualCenter 1.1 User's Manual
6
Deployment Guide