Hi,
We like to virtualize our servers (2) and one Win7 computer to one new Dell PowerEdge R720 server.
(32GB memory, 2TB harddisk storage and a 2GB SD card for installing VMware on it)
This includes a Windows 2008 Small Business server and a Windows 2008R2 server.
We like to start with the free VMware ESXi version.
- When starting with this, do I need to create a new Small Business Server from scratch or can I convert existing machine to a VM?
- Can I just keep using this SBS server as we do now or do I need to reconfigure this or add an extra DC or ????
- Can I still use my USB devices when creating backups?
- Instead of creating backups the old way, can I just make a copy or create a snapshot of a VM?
- Are there disadvantages using the machines as VMs?
Thanks for your help,
Egbert
- When starting with this, do I need to create a new Small Business Server from scratch or can I convert existing machine to a VM?
--You can use VMware's converter standalone software to perform a P2V. Please use caution when it comes to domain controllers and follow MS best practices.
- Can I just keep using this SBS server as we do now or do I need to reconfigure this or add an extra DC or ????
See above in particular about P2Ving domain controllers.
- Can I still use my USB devices when creating backups?
ESXi 6.x supports USB pass-through, meaning you can connect a USB stick to your ESXi host and have it available to a VM.
- Instead of creating backups the old way, can I just make a copy or create a snapshot of a VM?
A full clone of a VM can be used as a backup. Snapshots are NOT meant to be used as backups and are not designed to function as such. Spend sometime understanding what snapshots actually do before you proceed.
- Are there disadvantages using the machines as VMs?
In most use cases no. Most modern operating systems and software will work just fine on VMs. The advantages are countless.