tool to an enabler of new business virtual machines per server.
applications and business processes. Both vendors have worked hard on
In this new world of SOA based making their processors and associated
applications and SaaS delivery models chip sets support a virtualised
Virtualisation and even the new multi- environment specifically removing
core processors are put to the test. Can the burden for the Hypervisor / VMM
a software based Hypervisor / VMM by performing functions in hardware
efficiently deliver multiple applications where appropriate.
across multiple processors efficiently. However having worked out how
Both Intel and AMD the two to do this and each having a roadmap
leading chip manufacturers thought for future developments the pace
not and thus embarked on addressing for virtualisation has quickened with
the virtualisation performance issue both industry leaders in virtualisation,
from the chip level. VMware and Citrix, now promoting
The key issue they have addressed the Virtual Desktop.
Margaret Lewis
is the memory mapping and I/O This is explained in more detail in
performance. a later feature article but what it boils hardware should take over the intensive
Intel’s VT technology provides down to is utilising the ability to run tasks and reduce overheads. In effect we
specific functionality that helps multiple complete virtual machines should be able to make the application
simplify the implementation and on the server to replace running feel as though it is local.”
deployment of the VMM and provides the operating system and desktop “However chip design to support
better performance. It provides environment on the desktop PC. VDI is a journey. We will need to pause
hardware assisted support to the VMM However running a Virtual Desktop every so often to review memory and
and enhances its critical processes and (VDI) on the server pushes the concept I/O requirements as we learn the usage
takes over crucial operations reducing of performance a whole step further. demands of VDI solutions.”
the burden on the VMM software. The performance issue of VDI This ‘journey’ principle seems
AMD’s ‘AMD-V’ technology in a goes a lot deeper than the software, to be the way forward not only for
similar way represents a collection of server and desktop appliance chip manufacturers but also systems
silicon-enabled enhancements that arena and right down to chip integrators who are designing
allow common Hypervisor / VMM level. Virtualisation as a whole has datacenter solutions to support both
software functions to be performed been enabled and accelerated by Virtualised server platforms and VDI.
faster and more efficiently in hardware. multi-core processors on blade If the chip vendors are not sure
AMD's Direct Connect architectures. However even the new what the reality of performance
Architecture, part of their AMD-V chip sets will be stretched by VDI. is likely to be, then it is likely that
technology, includes an inbuilt Margaret Lewis, Director of companies like VMware and Citrix
memory controller for optimum Commercial Solutions at AMD cannot be certain either.
memory management, a key explains, “VDI is the next stage of It is important therefore for the
performance enabler for virtualization, Virtualisation. The first stage was channel to step warily when trying
while their HyperTransport™ about consolidation and server to give service level agreements for
technology increases platform utilisation and the current chip sets are virtual architectures.
scalability, throughput and efficiency. perfectly capable of supporting this.” Many distributors are helping
The Direct Connect Architecture “VDI however is all about user channel partners through this journey
provides direct CPU-to-memory, CPU- experience and the client wants a rich or learning curve. The likes of Tech
to-I/O, and CPU-to-CPU connections graphics environment. Just because the Data / Azlan, Magirus, Avnet and
to streamline server virtualization. This desktop is running remotely does not Horizon are all providing test centres
they claim enables them to host more justify poor experience.” and proof of concept labs for channel
“In a virtual world switching partners to test real application
applications without a lag is also vital. environments for virtualisation.
As chip vendors we believe there are The opportunities in this
some areas where we can improve our virtualisation world are extensive
architectures to support VDI.” however we are moving into
“In particular we are looking to speed uncharted territory where even
up memory management, optimise I/O the vendors cannot guarantee
handling, improve graphics virtualisation performance. The channel should
and handle tables and references better. utilise every resource available to
The hardware can get to the memory ensure that the core of what they are
Intel Quad location faster than software and the offering is sized properly.
JUNE 2008 8020 EUROPA 23
22,23.indd 2 13/6/08 09:43:51
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