Candidate Selection for Optimal Virtualization
Candidate selection is the process of choosing servers for the project. X_Factor accommodates a number of different scenarios for candidate selection.
- For those just starting out on the virtualization path, this often means choosing the low hanging fruit.
- Perhaps getting a bit more aggressive is desired for a 2nd or 3rd wave of consolidation
- Targeting a certain percentage or count of the candidates to keep the project to a manageable size.
- Some may wish to choose all candidates
Understanding the Xcedex Readiness Algorithm (XRA) Score
The XRA score is at the foundation of the candidate selection process. The algorithm assigns a score to each of the four core resources (CPU, memory, network, disk), adding them up to provide the XRA score. A candidate with an XRA score of 100 or greater is excluded, under 100 and it is in. The definition of 100 is up to you. Just a few dials involved for complete control.
You may:
- Modify the weight of any of the individual four core resources.
- Modify the overall value of the score (overall include or exclude more candidates).
Example XRA Score:
Manual Exclusion
It is often necessary to excluded candidates from the project for reasons outside of it's performance profile. Perhaps policy dictates production domain controllers are physicals, or sql servers. Manual exclusions are our way of implementing and tracking business rules.
Iterative Process
If your desire is to create a project of a manageable size, X_Factor puts the proper information at your fingertips to get the job done quickly. You may modify the XRA parameters and receive quick results...modify and repeat until you are happy.
