In a very short span of time, interest has surged in deploying virtualized servers in data centers to conserve space, energy and, most importantly, to use existing server hardware more efficiently and reduce unnecessary capital expenditures. At the same time, data center managers are applying virtualization to desktop applications. Virtual desktop solutions can be layered on to virtual servers to provide individual users with a complete desktop experience, flexibility and control without requiring dedicated PC hardware for each user.

Determining which systems to consolidate and the resulting end-user quality of experience is perhaps the most critical aspect of implementing a server virtualization strategy. The only reasonable way to make this determination is by conducting realistic performance tests that will provide insights into how application systems will run when virtualized.

This Common RFP document was used as the basis for virtual server performance testing published in April 2009 that compared Citrix XenApp performance when running over Citrix XenServer and VMware ESX environments.

This RFP examines and defines essential elements of the virtual server performance benchmarking process including:

• Load generators and workload
• Test duration and repetitions
• Test metrics and definitions
• Physical and virtual machine specifications
• Workload elements

Additionally, the document details the steps involved in conducting virtual server performance tests, test variables, configuration parameters, measuring/documenting results and interpretation of results.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d0acb6/tolly_common_vir