HP has released a paper titled: HP Departmental Private Cloud Reference Architecture, the paper which contains 88 pages defines a best practices reference architecture and detailed implementation guide for building a highly available two node virtualization or private cloud solution based on Windows Server 2012, Server 2008 R2 and System Center 2012 ideally suited for mid-sized businesses and branch office deployments.
The reference architecture is built with HP ProLiant DL360e servers, HP P2000 MSA Array System with SAS shared storage, HP E2910 switches, and HP Insight Control management software.
The paper covers the following sections:
- Introduction to Virtualization, HP Smart Bundles, and the HP Departmental Private Cloud Reference Architecture
- Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2008 R2 comparison
- HP Departmental Private Cloud hardware installation
- Hardware and Software Component Installation and Configuration Based on the Reference Architecture
- Operating System Installation and initial Configuration
- HP Departmental Private Cloud Operating System Configuration
- Cloud Management using Microsoft System Center
- Integration of the Reference Architecture into a customer environment
- Reference Architecture Components
- 4 Node Cluster Cabling
Conclusion:
The move to virtualization and the cloud is inevitable because current IT processes are unsustainable for businesses of all sizes. The HP Departmental Private Cloud Reference Architecture defines best practices and implementation instructions for building a highly available, two-node virtualization or private cloud solution ideally suited for mid-sized businesses and branch office deployments. The reference architecture is built with HP ProLiant DL360e servers, HP P2000 MSA Array System with SAS shared storage, HP E2910 switches, and HP Insight Control management software as well as Microsoft Windows Server 2012, or Windows Server 2008 R2, and Microsoft System Center.