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P2V, (Physical-To-Virtual), is the acronym that describes the tools and plugins that are available to move images from a physical host to a virtual host.
Let’s start with the nomenclature:
- The hardware (computer/server box) environment is referred to as ‘physical.’ This is the most standard and ‘traditional’ way of providing server services and infrastructure to a network.
- The term ‘virtual’ refers to a software-created environment that can accommodate and host several instances of an operating system.
So, to put it another way, the real is most likely what you have, and the virtual is most likely where you want to be. The P2V tools and plugins play a part in getting you there.
P2V works by copying the physical state of an installed operating system as an image. If you’ve ever used Ghost or Acronis, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. This image is compressed in the same manner as an ISO file is. It can be kept or used anytime you need it. It contains all of the device files, drivers, and other components that are needed for it to operate when decompressed and mounted on another device or virtual machine (environment). Photos can also reflect the full state of an operating system and installed programs.
Imaging an operating system is not new. We have been doing that for years. Ghost photos were used for the remainder of workstation installations (probably still are). When Microsoft implemented RIS, or Remote Installation Server/Service, it enhanced the method of operating system implementation. Unfortunately, NIC drivers limited RIS in many settings, and it didn’t always function properly. To find and distribute an operating system to a target computer, RIS uses DHCP (BootP) and DNS.P2V accomplishes this. It also deploys from a regular image taken from a real device and positions the image into a virtual machine. P2V can also transfer virtual servers from one Host to another, regardless of the hardware that each Host supports.
Virtual Machines represent an environment similar to the old NTVDM (NT Virtual DOS Machine). Above the Executive Layer, the NTVDM tried to build an enclosed environment within the Windows NT architecture. It allowed 16-bit (DOS) programs to run in a 32-bit environment, and it still does. The idea was that if a DOS device failed, as they were susceptible to doing, it wouldn’t drag down any other programs or the operating system with it.The program would fail in the NTVDM, which would contain the case in the Win32 subsystem and prohibit it from accessing the hardware (Microkernel). This didn’t always work as planned, and the dreaded BSOD would emerge. Fortunately, Windows is getting a bit more secure, and we’re having less BSODs than we used to.
In a virtualised environment the key to efficiency and success is to be able to easily manage the whole infrastructure without too many reboots and downtime.When management is applied efficiently in a conventional / physical infrastructure, downtime is unavoidable. When new servers are installed, old ones are decommissioned, and current servers are upgraded, transferred around, or redeployed in a physical infrastructure, downtime can arise, no matter how hard you want to stop it.In that case, minimizing the harm and attempting to finish the job while the network is ‘quiet’ are the safest solutions. Both of these operations can be carried out with limited downtime due to virtualization. To build and operate the virtualized enterprise, P2V resources are used.
P2V helps you to transfer pre-built server operating system images (along with applications) from a real to a virtual world. When the network is in operation, this behavior may occur. However, since you’ll be squirting a broad picture across the LAN or around the WAN, it’s a smart idea to do so at a less busy time of day, such as when the backup systems are switched on.
Aside from the minimized downtime, using a virtual machine to house the image you generated from a physical-based operating system has several benefits. Digital computers do not have direct access to the hardware. There is a ‘air-gap’ between the VM and the hardware, close to the old NTVDM. A HyperVisor or another operating system that has been configured as a Virtual Host occupies this space. As a virtual server, VMWare is installed. It’s Linux with a kernel that’s been changed. An current Windows operating system is used to install Microsoft Virtual Server. Other virtual resources, such as Xen and XenEnterprise, are mounted directly on the metal.When it comes to virtualization, Virtuozzo takes a special path. It divides the operating system into sections. This distinguishes it from other virtualization software.
The VM can act as a Host for a variety of different operating system images because it does not access the hardware in the same way that a traditional operating system does. It will accept the demands of the Guest operating system and fulfill them as requested. The operating system is completely unaware that it is virtualized. The virtual operating system Guest receives CPU and RAM as if it were installed on the metal in the traditional manner. There will be no hardware conflicts, memory conflicts, or downtime because there will be no system files to generate or replace, and thus no need to reboot. Only the VM, not the Host, needs to be rebooted.
More than just moving operating systems (images) from a physical to a virtual environment can be accomplished with P2V tools. They can be used to recover from disasters. Images can be saved in an operating system image bank for later use. P2V can be used as a backup tool as well as a standard method of operating system deployment across the organization.
**Use caution when using P2V as a backup tool for routine backups. If not properly planned, the images can grow to be enormous, bringing your network to a halt. Tape isn’t lightning fast when it comes to restoring gigabytes of data, but it’s positively frictionless when compared to P2V.**
The virtual hardware presented by a virtual machine is always different from the physical hardware on the original server. P2V migration tools are one easy way to solve the problems inherent in making the switch. The market leaders in this segment of the virtualisation industry are PlateSpin and VMware, but other notable competitors exist, such as Leostream. Here is a list, and some information, about a few of the P2V tools and plugins that I am aware of. If you know about others, why not write it up and let us all know.
VMWare P2V Assistant:
This is the most commonly used of the P2V tools. You can drag and drop your photos anywhere you need them with this app.
Both files on an actual source disk connected to a source machine are transferred to a virtual disk drive, also known as a goal disk, by the VMWare P2V Assistant. If the source disk holds an operating system, it is copied to the target disk as well. The latest clone is on this target disk. A P2V Assistant Boot CD is required for the cloning process, as it is used to boot the source machine and retrieve identification information.Furthermore, the P2V Assistant must be mounted on a different device (physical or virtual) from the source computer. The cloned data is stored in a series of files in.vmdk format. This form of clone can be used in virtual machines such as VMware GSX Server and VMware Workstation.
According to VMWare, this process is difficult, and migrating an image from a source to a destination is not a task that should be left unattended. VMWare also notes that only competent Administrators or technicians who have completed an official VMWare P2V Assistant training course can perform the operation. That’s something I’m not sure about. I’ve completed a few migrations myself and can testify that it’s not a daunting process. You can do this job with ease if you can set up and run a good RIS deployment. Is it likely that VMWare is attempting to offer high-priced training courses? I’ll let you make your own call.
According to VMWare, this process is difficult, and migrating an image from a source to a destination is not a task that should be left unattended. VMWare also notes that only competent Administrators or technicians who have completed an official VMWare P2V Assistant training course can perform the operation. That’s something I’m not sure about. I’ve completed a few migrations myself and can testify that it’s not a daunting process. You can do this job with ease if you can set up and run a good RIS deployment. Is it likely that VMWare is attempting to offer high-priced training courses? I’ll let you make your own call.
VMWare, in my view, has made this process a little more complex than it needs to be. Other tools perform the same mission, support a broader variety of operating systems, are considerably less costly, and do so without the need for a ‘helper’ computer. However, whether you choose or are needed to operate in a Windows environment, this tool will suffice and is cost-effective in terms of time and resources at the business level.
Leostream P2V Direct 3.0:
This P2V tool is compliant with virtualization applications from VMWare and Microsoft. It’s a control gui, but it has some fascinating and useful utility features that might cater to a virtualized infrastructure’s business administrator.
The drawback is that it is only compliant with Windows-based operating systems. At this time, that isn’t really a drawback since Windows is the most common datacenter operating system. However, the situation is changing, and Leostream will inevitably change along with it.
The Leostream framework consists of a Wizard and a Host Handler, all of which can be on separate networks as long as the following ports are routable (8080, 9400, 9401, and 9402). Connections to a wide area network are provided.
The Leostream P2V Direct Wizard is installed on the primary physical server and is compatible with all 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003, as well as all service packs and security updates. It supports service pack 6a for NT4 as well as all security updates.
The Leostream Host Agent is built on the virtualization software-enabled destination host node.
The P2V Direct Wizard from Leostream can be installed, run, and uninstalled on the source computer without the need for a reboot. It sees the system in its current state so that it can map all of the operating utilities and drivers and find out what needs to be done for a good conversion. The virtualisation layer is then instructed to build a suitable VM, attach a tiny operating system, and boot the VM. Using the existing drivers, the disks are then copied over. The VM is rebooted into Windows after the disk transition is complete, and the Leostream Wizard is immediately uninstalled. What could be simpler
The Windows edition operates with VMware Workstation 5.x on Windows XP (any support pack), VMware GSX 3.x, VMware Virtual Server, and Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 on 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows Server 2003. (any service pack). VMware ESX Server v2.5.x and v3.0 are compliant with this ESX version.
Leostream promises to be able to execute a one-time migration without the need for a reboot. That hasn’t been put to the test yet. And let me know how it went if you have. Leostream also says that the procedure is simple and that no preparation is needed (!). That is, in truth, a blessing.
PlateSpin PowerConvert:
PlateSpin claims to be able to decouple files, operating systems, and programs from the servers that they are hosted on. This allows for automatic conversions between physical computers, virtual machines, and image collections from everywhere. Database consolidations, disaster recovery, hardware migrations, test-lab automation, and more will all benefit from PlateSpin’s PowerConvert. Servers can be streamed in any direction over the network between physical devices, blade infrastructures, virtual machines, and image galleries.
A physical computer or virtual machine server running Windows or Linux can be turned into a completely working virtual machine on VMware Infrastructure 3, VMware ESX Server, VMware Server, Microsoft Virtual Server, or a PlateSpin Modular Picture using drag-and-drop. Since no direct interaction with the source or goal machines is needed, the consolidation can be performed from anywhere. Similarly, update to next-generation blade, SMP, or rack hardware without having to repair the servers.
Manually creating new computers, downloading software, and recovering files from tape or inflexible images are both time-consuming processes while using backup products. PlateSpin PowerConvert for Recovery is meant to fully duplicate a server by broadcasting it across the network on a daily basis to any available physical or virtual machine that may be used as a backup.
Such migrations can be carried out without taking the source server offline thanks to the Live Switch feature. In the event that the main server crashes, the backup device will be used to automatically take over the workload and restore normal processing. While this is a very helpful function, I do maintain that you should exercise strict caution when engaged in this form of operation. PlateSpin’s different utilities are compliant with a wide variety of systems. It has the broadest set of P2V resources, in my view. Photo Files Recovery Solutions Virtual Computers Operating Systems o VMware® Infrastructure 3 o VMware® ESX Server 2.1 and higher o VMware® Server o Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 & 2005 R2 o Windows NT Server (SP4, SP6a) o Windows 2000 Server o Windows 2000 Advanced Server o Windows 2003 Server o Windows 2003 Server R2 o Windows XP Technical o Windows NT Server (SP4, SP6a) o Windows 2000 Advanced Server o Windows 2003 Server o Windows 2003 Server R2 o Windows X (SP2) o SUSE Linux Enterprise (AS, 3.0, ES 3.0) o Redhat Linux (7.3, 8.0) o Redhat Enterprise Linux (AS, 3.0, ES 3.0) (9) PlateSpin Portable Image Bundles o Acronis® True ImageTM o Symantec® LiveStateTM o Acronis® True ImageTM o Symantec® GhostTM o Raw Volume Details o Veritas® Backup ExecTM o CA BrighStor ARCserv r11 o Double-Take® by Double-Take Program o Veritas® Backup ExecTM o Veritas® Backup ExecTM o Veritas® Backup ExecTM o Veritas® Backup ExecTM o Veritas® Backup Ex
For servers without an operating system installed, you will need to use a boot CD to take control of the server. In almost all other cases, PlateSpin is used remotely and you need not go to the servers at all.
Ultimate P2V:
This is a fully free plugin that comes with a boot CD. The most famous boot CD is Bart PE. The best way to use Ultimate P2V is to mount it on the Bart PE CD alongside Ghost or Acronis (or your favorite imaging software) and any other programs you think could be useful. Include a password generator, a file manager, or something that you think can help you achieve your mission.
This product is referred to as a ‘off-ramp’ product. That is, nothing is ever built on the servers. To build the file, simply boot to the CD and use the utilities. After you’ve generated the image, you can move it to a virtual server using Ultimate P2V.
Surprisingly, this P2V method does necessitate the presence of a technical expert. As soon as you switch from commercial to free tools, this is usually the case. If it’s free, you’ll have to put in more effort.
This is a tool that I haven’t used yet. I’ve used Bart PE, and it’s one of the most useful RAMDisk utilities I’ve come across. Crackers commonly use this method to gain access to servers and change the administrator’s password. I still have a Bart PE disk with me.
EZP2V:
This is a fully free plugin that comes with a boot CD. The most famous boot CD is Bart PE. The best way to use Ultimate P2V is to mount it on the Bart PE CD alongside Ghost or Acronis (or your favorite imaging software) and any other programs you think could be useful. Include a password generator, a file manager, or something that you think can help you achieve your mission.
As previously mentioned. This tool is used in combination with a RAMDisk-based ‘off-ramp’ utility such as Bart PE. This one is only compliant for Windows-based servers. You’ll need an imaging application like Ghost, as well as a VMWare plugin.
Ultimate P2V is a free plugin that helps you to clone a physical computer to a virtual machine and perform device reconfiguration to make it bootable.
To make this utility compliant with mainstream operating systems, you would need to find and update a range of drivers.
For Windows cloning, Bart PE is used as the base. You’ll need to use the Linux Live CD as a base if you want to replicate other operating systems.
VMWare Converter 3.0:
VMware Conversion is a scalable enterprise-class transformation platform that transforms real machines to virtual machines in VMware. VMware Converter allows remote conversions without affecting the source server during the conversion phase by using a snapshot-based cloning mechanism. I was wondering how long it would take VMWare to release a P2V freebie. It only came to my notice because it was listed in a thread on the VMWare website about VMware Converter. Of course, I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.
A P2V solution is VMware Adapter. It lets you turn real Windows machines into VMware virtual machines. The Starter Version is free, while the Business Edition will be licensed as part of VirtualCenter Management’s support and subscription services. The Starter Edition can only convert one machine at a time, while the Business Edition can convert several machines at once.Another distinction is that the Business Version provides for cold cloning, or the relocation of powered-down computers. The cloning method is less error prone since the source system’s OS isn’t operating in a cold migration. To cold clone a physical computer, start VMware Converter by booting from a Windows PE CD.
VMware Converter 3 comes with an elegant wizard that takes you through the process of configuring the conversion mission. The first step is to determine what form of conversion you want to do. There are five possibilities:
- a real machine
- a physical machine that is situated somewhere
- Virtual Machine (VMware)Digital computer from Microsoft
- Backup Exec Device Recovery by Symantec (or Ghost 9 image)
The fact that it is free would be a convincing excuse to use it. However, it is restricted to Browsers, which isn’t inherently a drawback since most datacenters use Windows servers.
Virtuozzo:
If you read my previous post on virtualisation, you’ll know that Virtuozzo offers a virtualisation platform that partitions the operating system. This technique is well adapted to P2V. With Virtuozzo for Linux 3.0, you can switch virtual servers between physical servers without disturbing users or having expensive storage space. There is no need for a SAN. The “zero downtime migration” functionality is one of many significant new features in Virtuozzo for Linux’s current update, which also includes new template management, simplified resource management, and enhanced operating system support to significantly increase performance and automation.
Virtuozzo for Windows was also launched by SWsoft, and provides a “physical-to-virtual” tool that allows simple conversion from a dedicated physical server to a virtual server, as well as performance enhancements and updated platform support.
Virtuozzo is my real preference. It takes a different approach from the other tools, and it has the additional advantage of having only a single host operating system license (this may change in the future as Microsoft licensing catches up).
XenEnterprise:
The most powerful virtualisation platform possible is XenEnterprise. It’s real paravirtualisation, and it’s 35% more effective than VMWare and 40%+ more efficient than Microsoft Virtual Server.
XenEnterprise’s virtual processes are operated by the open-source Xen kernel. Additionally, Linux and Windows servers can be supported on the same hardware if the Intel hardware has the V extension and the AMD hardware has the VT extension.
A fully integrated P2V toolset is included with the package. You can build a server image from a server operating system on another piece of hardware and install it into a virtual machine on the XenEnterprise Host server using a single browser interface. VM Export, Import, and Cloning are all XenEnterprise methods. There are no additional software or services needed. The XenEnterprise virtualisation program has everything you need.
Virtualization isn’t a panacea for all datacenter issues. It takes certain nasties with it. It will overwork your systems, burn out your hardware faster than conventional servers, replacing server sprawl with virtual sprawl, and rebooting a host takes down all of the guest operating systems on that host down with it.