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.

Use high-performance shared storage (SAN/NAS) with high IOPS and redundancy.

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.