November 2015 Newsletter

Dear BackupEDGE User,

Last month we talked about physical server to virtual server conversion (P2V) of OpenServer 6.0.0 and Linux. Many people asked about OpenServer 5.0.7 and I'm happy to report that we've met that request.

Virtualizing Operating Systems - More Platforms - BIG SALE - On Site P2V

This month we've:

• Added OpenServer 5.0.7 P2V.
• Improved OpenServer 6.0.0 P2V.
• Added information on UnixWare 7.1.4 P2V.
  
• Lowered the Price by 33% through the end of 2015.
• Decided to offer On-Site P2V Conversions.

As we discussed last month, virtualizing the operating system on an older physical server can be the key to preserving its applications and migrating it to faster hardware that it may not support on its own.

It also enables the operating system and applications to be easily migrated to internet-based, or "cloud" servers, potentially lowering future maintenance costs and ensuring "run forever" status. Today we'll discuss OpenServer 5.0.7, along with updating the OpenServer 6 information we provide last month. Linux virtualization remains the same, and you'll find the info at the bottom of the newsletter.

The P2V procedures for OpenServer 5.0.7 and OpenServer 6.0.0 sell for $1,500. However, from now through December 31, 2015 we are offering them for only $1,000.

They are the most complete procedures ever devised for virtualizing these operating systems.

Unfortunately, we know that many end-users may no longer have a relationship with their original value-added reseller. If you are one of those, we can either refer you to another qualified reseller, or we will come on-site and perform the conversion at special rates which are cheaper than our normal consulting rates. Please call our sales department for details.

Linux P2V conversion is built into BackupEDGE for Linux beginning with the release versions described below. There is no charge to use P2V with licensed releases.

Virtualizing SCO (now Xinuos) OpenServer 5.0.7

Xinuos (formerly SCO) OpenServer 5.0.7 has a huge installed base. The servers it is running on are getting older, and it is difficult to migrate to new hardware due to a lack of driver support.

If virtualized properly, it will run forever (well, no one knows what will happen on January 19, 2038 when 32bit "Unix Time" runs out, so lets just say "for a very long time").

Microlite Corporation has developed a definitive, PROPRIETARY PROCEDURE that:

• Enables P2V conversions to VMware ESXi 4.1 and above.

• Allows the target virtual machine filesystem sizes to be modified as necessary. They may be grown or shrunk as needed.

• Allows physical hard drives to be consolidated into fewer virtual drives.

• Enables and optimizes host bus and network adapters compatible with VMware.

• Preserves the OpenServer 5.0.7 license.

• Covers everything required, from host adapter to NIC to mouse to video.
  

The resulting virtual machine can have as many CPUs and as much RAM as OpenServer 5.0.7 and VMware support, subject to applicable licenses.

While the virtualization document describes a procedure with specific reference to VMware virtual machines, in reality it can be applied to any physical hardware capable of supporting the OpenServer 5.0.7 operating system.

The PROCEDURE is outlined in a 19 Page PDF document. To use it...

• The source server must have a fully licensed copy of OpenServer 5.0.7. This license will transfer to the destination server.
• The source server must be completely up-to-date using the PATCHK tool from SCO / Xinuos.
• The source server must have a current copy of BackupEDGE installed, with a 5 Year Support and Maintenance Subscription. This license will transfer to the destination server.
• The individual licensing the PROCEDURE must sign and return an Order Form and Confidentiality Agreement agreeing that they are using it for one server only.

A copy of the Order Form and Confidentiality Agreement is located HERE.

The Introduction to the OpenServer 5.0.7 Virtualization and Disparate Hardware Conversion Procedure is located HERE.

The new Virtualization Section of the Microlite Web Site is located HERE.

Virtualizing SCO (now Xinuos) OpenServer 6 (Updated)

Xinuos (formerly SCO) OpenServer 6 can be a very difficult operating system to virtualize or migrate to new hardware. Its lack of an easy method of changing host bus adapters is one of the many issues involved when needing to perform a migration or Physical to Virtual (P2V) machine conversion.

Microlite Corporation has developed a definitive, PROPRIETARY PROCEDURE that:

• Enables P2V conversions to VMware ESXi 4.1 and above.

• Allows the target virtual machine filesystem sizes to be modified as necessary. They may be grown or shrunk as needed.

• Allows physical hard drives to be consolidated into fewer virtual drives.

• Enables and optimizes host bus and network adapters compatible with VMware.

• Preserves the OpenServer 6 license.

• Covers everything required, from host adapter to NIC to mouse to video.

The resulting virtual machine can have as many CPUs and as much RAM as OpenServer 6 and VMware support, subject to applicable licenses.

While the virtualization document describes a procedure with specific reference to VMware virtual machines, in reality it can be applied to any physical hardware capable of supporting the OpenServer 6 operating system.

The PROCEDURE is outlined in an 18 Page PDF document. To use it...

• The source server must have a fully licensed copy of OpenServer 6. This license will transfer to the destination server.
• The source server must be completely up-to-date using the PATCHK tool from SCO / Xinuos.
• The source server must have a current copy of BackupEDGE installed, with a 5 Year Support and Maintenance Subscription. This license will transfer to the destination server.
• The individual licensing the PROCEDURE must sign and return an Order Form and Confidentiality Agreement agreeing that they are using it for one server only.

In the last 30 days we've significantly improved this procedure.

A copy of the Order Form and Confidentiality Agreement is located HERE.

The Introduction to the OpenServer 6 Virtualization and Disparate Hardware Conversion Procedure is located HERE.

The new Virtualization Section of the Microlite Web Site is located HERE.

Virtualizing SCO (now Xinuos) UnixWare 7.1.4

We have been working on a virtualization procedure for UnixWare 7.1.4 but have been unable to gauge user interest. If you would be interested in purchasing this procedure, please email sales@microlite.com and let us know. We'll notify you when the procedure is complete.

Virtualizing Red Hat Enterprise Linux / Oracle Linux Server / CentOS

Linux physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversion/recovery is built into RecoverEDGE. This allows the user to take a physical server with a supported Linux release and easily convert it into a virtual server running under VMware ESXi.Linux physical-to-virtual (P2V) conversion/recovery is built into RecoverEDGE. This allows the user to take a physical server with a supported Linux release and easily convert it into a virtual server running under VMware ESXi.

There is no extra fee for this support on our Linux releases.

P2V - Requirements

• BackupEDGE must be licensed and activated. P2V capability is not available while in 60 day demo mode.

• Must be virtualizing to VMware ESXi 5 or later. Earlier versions of VMware may work but are not supported.

• FTP (URL) backups are recommended, but in reality any storage Resource that can be used by both a physical server or VMware virtual machine (VM) will work.

P2V - Supported Linux Distributions

Must be using a supported Linux distribution. BackupEDGE 03.00.07 build 1 and later supports:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.x or 5.x.

• CentOS Server 6.5 or 5.x.

• Oracle Linux Server 6.x.

BackupEDGE 03.01.00 build 2 and later also supports:

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 / 7.1. (LVM-based servers not supported.)

• CentOS Server 7 / 7.1. (LVM-based servers not supported.)

• Oracle Linux Server 7 / 7.1. (LVM-based servers not supported.)

The latest available version of BackupEDGE is always recommended as we frequently improve the process.

The P2V procedure is described in detail in Section 29 - Disaster Recovery - Linux P2V of the BackupEDGE User Guide. Please see the User Guide for additional information and capabilities.

Helpful Web Site Links

Kindest regards, and thanks for your continuing support of Microlite Corporation and BackupEDGE. Have a Happy Holiday Season!

Tom
D. Thomas Podnar
President
Microlite Corporation
tom@microlite.com
888-257-3343 - Toll-Free
724-375-6711 - Main