ExploreVM Blog: April 2018

Monday, April 30, 2018

ExploreVM Podcast - Introducing Skylines Academy

Continuing to educate yourself in new technologies has been a recurring topic on this show. Today we're going to chat with a group that went a step further and started their own academy.

Use coupon code ExploreVM for half off your Skylines membership during the month of May.

Listen to "Introducing Skylines Academy" on Spreaker.

I strongly suggest taking a look at skylines academy to begin your Azure journey.

And hey, half off with code ExploreVM isn't too shabby either.

Also, what do you think of the new theme music? A long time friend of mine, Matt Carlson, sent over a song he felt was techy and nerdy, so a perfect fit for the show.

Show Links:
Skylines Academy
kylines Academy on YouTube
Nick Colyer on Twitter
Amy Manley on Twitter
Brette Bossick on Twitter
2 Ninjas 1 Blog

Do you have an idea or a topic for the show? Would you like to be a guest on the ExploreVM podcast? If so, please contact me on Twitter, Email, or Facebook.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Top 3 Features of Nutanix AOS 5.6

On April 16th, Nutanix released it's newest version of AOS (Acropolis Operating System). The 5.6 release has 9+ new features. But rather than cover them all, I wanted to call out what I consider the top 3 features of this release.

One or Two Node Deployment for Remote / Branch Office

Many businesses face the challenge of maintaining IT resources in remote locations. Whether it be a branch office or retail outlet, choosing the right solution to provide infrastructure which is easy to deploy and manage can prove difficult. Enter AOS 5.6. With this release, Nutanix now offers a single or dual node solution for ROBO deployment. The single node deployment can support up to 5 VMs, with disk level resiliency. The two node option supports up to 10 VMs and offers node level resiliency. Both options are managed centrally via Prism Central, allowing admins to administer the nodes alongside their on-premises data center. ROBO sites can also utilize cross hypervisor DR between the remote site and the DR location. And with all other Nutanix, the ROBO sites can be remotely upgraded using the same 1 click upgrades as the local site, saving the complexity of keeping a remote office up to date.

Microsegmentation hits GA

AHV users can now benefit from the GA release of Microsegmentation. Built into 5.6 and managed via Prism, application centric policy models can be deployed using a stateful distributed firewall. Single virtual machines or groups of VMs can all be protected, including blocking east/west traffic between them. Microsegmentation offers granular application isolation and zoning without configuring VLANs.

Volume Group Load Balancing of vDisks

For users with high IO VMs, AOS 5.6 includes the ability for AHV to load balance vDisks in a volume group. CPU and memory resources are pulled from multiple CVMs (Controller VMs). This distribution across CVMs helps to improve the performance of the virtual machine and reduce bottlenecks.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

ExploreVM Podcast - Wisconsin VMUG UserCon Wrap Up

I was at the Wisconsin VMUG UserCon for the first time in a long time as an attendee, not a speaker. So I took the opportunity to have conversations with vCommunity members and take in more sessions than usual.

I had a different interview approach in the first group of clips as I was "Ambush Interviewing" people. I walked up with a hot mic and just started the interview!

Listen to "Wisconsin VMUG UserCon Wrap Up" on Spreaker.

I crashed Sean Massey & Nigel Hickey's chat

Ariel & Tony talking about the benefits of the vCommunity


WI VMUG Leader Brian Kirsch talking about the War Dogs Charity


Post VMUG shenanigans at the Brewers vs Cubs game

More post Brewers Game shenanigans, vBrisket Wisconsin Style

The #vBeards contingent with the Grand Puba @jcefidel in attendance at @wivmug’s #UserCon. https://t.co/UEanvnDDrO
— vBeards2018 (@vbeards2018) April 5, 2018

Monday, April 2, 2018

ExploreVM Podcast - Maintaining Work Life Balance w/ Heather & Nigel Hickey

On this episode of the ExploreVM Podcast, we take a look at keeping the band, or in a more realistic setting, the family together when you and your partner are both working professionals.

Listen to "Maintaining a Work Life Balance w/ Heather & Nigel Hickey" on Spreaker.

As we all strive to succeed in business, its important to keep your family in mind as well
I know i could not have achieved half of what ive accomplished in my career if it wasnt for buy in and support from my family.

Be sure to take some time away from your job, studies, or projects and keep those loved ones close.

Links
Nigel on Twitter
Heather on Twitter
http://nigelhickey.com/
Heather & Nigel's Spiceworld Presentation
Heather & Nigel on The Geek Whisperers

Do you have some tips on work life balance? Do you have an idea or a topic for the show? Would you like to be a guest on the ExploreVM podcast? If so, please contact me on Twitter, email, or Facebook.