Physical server versus Virtual Machine
Hopefully, I've driven home the point that a VM is different from a physical server. I'll now list the differences from a management point of view. The following table shows the differences that impact how you manage your infrastructure. Let's begin with the core properties:
|
Properties |
Physical server |
Virtual Machine |
|---|---|---|
|
BIOS |
Every brand and model has a unique BIOS. Even the same model (for example, HP DL 380 Generation 9) can have multiple BIOS versions. The BIOS needs updates and management, often with physical access to a data center. This requires downtime. |
This is standardized in a VM. There is only one type, which is the VMware motherboard. This is independent from the ESXi motherboard. The VM BIOS needs far fewer updates and management. The inventory management system no longer needs the BIOS management module. |
|
Virtual HW |
Not applicable. |
This is a new layer below the BIOS. It needs an update after every vSphere release... |
