Top considerations for virtualization

1

Compatibility

Ensure that your hardware and software applications are compatible with the virtualized environment.​

Do: Refer to the AVEVA Technology Matrix.

Don't: Assume all software versions are compatible with each other.

Verify compatibility with the AVEVA Technology Matrix.

2

Resources

Allocate adequate CPU, RAM, network, and storage resources for the host servers and for each individual VM.​

Do: Reserve resources for critical VMs.​

Don't: Overcommit resources.​

Follow AVEVA's hardware requirements for optimal performance.

3

Networking

Properly configure virtual networks for communication between VMs.​

Do: Use VLANs for segmentation.

Don't: Ignore network security.​

Low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity is key. Use separate network cards for domain (IT) and process (OT) networks.

4

Storage

Efficiently manage storage to avoid bottlenecks and ensure data integrity.​

Do: Use SAN or NAS for storage.

Don't: Use local disks for critical data, except as noted.

Use high-performance shared storage (SAN/NAS) with high IOPS and redundancy. If your system is hosted on commercial cloud based machines, be sure to configure SQL Server Data path (mdf files) and Circular (Historian blocks) on your C: (Local disk) only.

5

Security

Implement robust security and patch management policies to protect virtualized environments. ​

Do: Use firewalls and antivirus software.

Don't: Neglect regular updates.

Apply the same version of OS and AVEVA patches across all VMs.

6

High availability

Implement high availability solutions, including AVEVA’s native redundancy to minimize down time.​

Do: Use failover clustering.

Don't: Rely on single points of failure.

Configure failover clusters. Balance load across hosts to prevent resource contention.

7

Backups

Ensure regular backups and have a recovery plan for disaster scenarios.

Do: Schedule regular system backups.

Don't: Ignore backup verification.

Avoid taking backups/snapshots while AVEVA services are running (VM in running state), especially on production systems.

8

Performance

Continuously monitor performance to identify and resolve issues promptly.​

Do: Use performance monitoring tools.

Don't: Ignore performance metrics.​

Utilize AVEVA's performance monitoring tools.

9

Scalability

Plan for future growth and scalability of the virtualized environment.​

Do: Design for scalability.

Don't: Overlook future expansion needs.​

Follow AVEVA’s sizing and scalability recommendations.

10

Maintenance

Schedule regular maintenance to keep the virtualized environment healthy.​

Do: Perform regular updates and patches.

Don't: Ignore maintenance schedules.

Maintain the hardware and software of the virtual environment hosts and applications to current technologies.