Xen Server 5.5 BETA released

[sahmeepee]

Citrix have just announced a new version of their free Xen Server, version 5.5

The bullet points:


* Consolidated Backup allows third-party backup vendors to interface directly with XenServer to provide full and incremental, in-guest, file and image backups of virtual machines. The new consolidated backup capabilities in XenServer also provide customers with the ability to execute full GUI-based snapshots directly from the XenCenter central management console.
* Enhanced Conversion Tools make it easy to convert virtual machines created in the VMDK format (commonly used by VMware) into the VHD format (commonly used by Citrix XenServer and Microsoft Hyper-V). The new XenConvert tools also make it easy to seamlessly convert between any of the common open virtualization format packages, including OVF (open virtualization format), OVA (open virtual appliance) and XVA (XenServer virtual appliance).
* Enhanced Search enables customers to view and manage XenServer environments by a range of criteria including VM name, resource pool, location, server, storage repository, snapshot time, and network name – all from a single location. It also provides the ability to create custom views or folders.
* Active Directory Integration makes it easy for customers to use their AD credentials to mange XenServer hosts as well as log and audit user activity.
* Expanded Guest Support adds SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11, Debian 5.0 and RedHat/CentOS/Oracle 5.3 to a growing list of supported guests that includes virtually every version of the Windows and Linux operating systems.


The beta, as well as a 30-day trial version of Citrix Essentials, is available at Citrix Systems » Citrix XenServer: Efficient Virtual Server Software. The beta version of the new Citrix XenServer 5.5 is also available today and can be downloaded free of charge from Citrix Systems » Products » -- XenServer/Essentials » XenServer. The 5.5 version of both product lines will be generally available June 19.

Linky: Citrix Systems » Citrix Upgrades Server Virtualization Product Lines for XenServer and Hyper-V

[Ric_]

Just had to update the title - the Beta has actually been available for a little while to SA customers.

[irsprint84]

I m going ot betaking over a XEN network shortly, how does everyone find it?

[sahmeepee]

Just had to update the title - the Beta has actually been available for a little while to SA customers.

Ooops, yes, thanks for that. Sorry if I got you excited unnecessarily!

[Ric_]

I m going ot betaking over a XEN network shortly, how does everyone find it?

It rocks! I just can't wait for 5.5 for the added storage features and Debian 5.0 support.

[Alexkelly]

Do you need two servers to install xen or can you just have it on one? I just watched the video and it said about adding two servers into the pool?

Thanks,

Alex.

[benaus]

you can have it installed on just one server and it will work fine.

[Alexkelly]

Will this run on 32bit or does it have to be 64bit if so do you know of a 32bit download?

[benaus]

Has to be 64bit.

If you want to run windows and linux vm's you will need CPU's that have virtulisation support (Intel VT-x or AMD-V). If you dont require windows vms, you can use any 64bit processor and run linux vms only.

[imiddleton25]

i have installed this on a Dell R710
2 x intel xeon x5560 (2.8ghz , 8mb cache)
36gb Ram
3 x 146gb sas drives


connected to a Buffalo Tertastation II iscsi box (4gb)

built 21 vms no problems from a template i created

but when running they are to slow to be used

gave each xp vm 2 cpu , 768mb ram

tried 2gb ram still same

they lock up and if one is busy stops rest working then they all come alive again

but as i say not useable

any ideas as to why this would not work

considering ditching it all and trying vmware view 4

ps we have axel M80 terminals but same issues on rdp from my laptop so not terminals

[ahuxham]

i have installed this on a Dell R710
2 x intel xeon x5560 (2.8ghz , 8mb cache)
36gb Ram
3 x 146gb sas drives


connected to a Buffalo Tertastation II iscsi box (4gb)

built 21 vms no problems from a template i created

but when running they are to slow to be used

gave each xp vm 2 cpu , 768mb ram

tried 2gb ram still same

they lock up and if one is busy stops rest working then they all come alive again

but as i say not useable

any ideas as to why this would not work

considering ditching it all and trying vmware view 4

ps we have axel M80 terminals but same issues on rdp from my laptop so not terminals

How many NICs on the R710, what speeds? what speeds connected into switches, how many machines running through connected interfaces? Teamed?

We found our performance issues were NIC related, now have 2 x running at full GB, with 4 vSwitches, 2 per NIC, and the management port on the server for management, vmotion and the likes for traffic.

[imiddleton25]

ITS GOT 4 1GB NICS ON THE R710

the first lot are all on one nic but even with just 2 vm running its slow
havnt teamed anything
switch is gb also

[Ric_]

ITS GOT 4 1GB NICS ON THE R710

the first lot are all on one nic but even with just 2 vm running its slow
havnt teamed anything
switch is gb also

Firstly, I would suggest teaming some NICs to improve bandwidth. Then check in XenCenter and see what is maxing out and at what point - the graphs are very handy!

I also notice that on the specs for the Terrastation at Buffalo Technology - Products - TeraStation™ III that it mentions two maximum data rates - do you need to change a mode or something to increase the data rate?

Finally, the disks and controller aren't the most amazing in Terrastations so I would have thought that you might be getting limited there.

[imiddleton25]

we have the Buffalo Technology - Products - TeraStation Pro™ II iSCSI Rackmount Storage System
which does not mention 2 data rates.

I will try the Teaming see if that helps

thanks

[j17sparky]

Finally, the disks and controller aren't the most amazing in Terrastations so I would have thought that you might be getting limited there.

Yep i reckon thats the problem. You arnt going to be able to run 21 VMs on 4 spindles. We have 8 spindles running a dozen VMs and we are hitting an IO bottleneck on the HDs.