VMware has a 16 page PDF document that looks at the best practices when running VMware ESX Server and IBM WebSphere Application Server on a large symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) server to achieve the best application performance (throughput and response time). Our tests concluded that the use of VMware software is an excellent option for those wanting to run WebSphere Application Server in a virtualized SMP environment.
INTRODUCTION
IBM’s High Performance On Demand Solutions (HiPODS) team joined VMware, Inc. in early 2006 to continue a 2004 study
1 on applying VMware’s virtualization technology, ESX Server, to the IBM WebSphere Application Server. The 2004 paper reported that ESX Server is sound technology that has significant potential in an on demand environment and is an effective tool for production-level virtualization.
This paper looks at a server consolidation, taking under utilized hardware running disparate Webbased applications and combining them on to one physical server while still maintaining the best application performance (throughput and response time). We attempt to answer these questions:
Are VMware Virtual Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) guest machines better than uniprocessor guest machines for Web-based applications?
How many guest machines can be run on a physical server and still get good performance?
IBM and VMware are working together to provide greater benefits to end users by promoting greater interoperability between the solutions that each bring to the marketplace. This paper presents the best practices we derived from our tests. It should provide a base for others to start building their own solution to meet their unique needs. The information and conclusions are based on current knowledge and can change as new technologies, products, solutions, and experiences become available.
Download the whitepaper, here.