[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote on 17/07/2007 05:12:49 AM: > I'm going to be setting up about 6 virtual machines (Windows & > Linux) in either VMWare Server or Xen on a CentOS 5 box. I'd like to > connect to a ZFS iSCSI target to store the vm images and be able to > use zfs snapshots for backup. I have no experience with ZFS, so I > have a couple of questions before I move forward. > > 1. Is this a feasible setup? If not, is there any way to make > something like this work reliably? > > 2. Since I'd most likely want to restore single machines at a time, > is it best to have a zpool for each machine? > > Any insight is appreciated.
I have hundreds of Xen-based virtual machines running off a ZFS/iSCSI service; yes, it's viable. I can't speak for CentOS specifically; our infrastructure is using Debian Etch with our own build of Xen. Your success criteria are: 1. Staggering virtual machine cron entries to avoid high I/O contention, 2. Reliable gigabit/10gigabit switching infrastructure. Skimp on this and your project is sunk. Use a high-quality managed switch, good NICs, and well manufactured cables. 3. If using a smart, battery-backed, order-preserving storage array, append "set zfs:zfs_nocacheflush = 1" (sans quotes) to /etc/system. Splitting your storage into multiple zpools will just cause wastage and administrative complexity. I strongly advise using a single zpool. JG This email, including any attachments, is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. Any information contained in this email is not to be used or disclosed for any purpose other than the purpose for which you received it. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email by mistake, please delete this email permanently from your system. WARNING: Although Editure has taken reasonable precautions to ensure no viruses are present in this email, Editure can not accept responsibility for any losses or damages whatsoever, arising from the use of this email and/or its attachments. www.editure.com
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