Virtuozity

Link: http://www.usb-over-network.com/

One of the problems in a virtual environment is to deliver USB devices to virtual machines. Standard ESX VMs don't even have virtual USB hardware and they don't need them. The technology you should use instead is "USB over Ethernet (USBoE)". The idea is to install a driver on the client that comes with virtual USB hardware that reconnects to an USB Device Server or Appliance to use its shared devices.

There are a few appliances on the market, but I learned the hard way that most of them are not suitable for professional purposes. Most of them are not made for data centers and do not come with an 19" option, others do not have an automatic reconnect to their devices after a reboot, which is vital for sharing dongles for copy protected server software. These appliances are cheap and available for under $150, but to me the best solution is a server full of USB PCI adapters and an USBoE software package.

I can definitely recommend Fabulatech's "USB over Network" software, which works really fine though it is not the cheapest solution. Check out the trial version, I'm sure you will be satisfied with the results.

Link: http://www.powergui.org/kbcategory.jspa?categoryID=290

The PowerGUI is a graphical front end to ease access to the Windows PowerShell. There are so called "PowerPacks" to enhance the functionality, e.g. for virtualization purposes. Right now, there are enhancements available for VMware, Xen and Hyper-V, but the PowerGUI community is growing rapidly.

Here is how to use PowerGUI with VMware: Before you install PowerGUI, please be sure you installed the PowerShell and the "VMware VI Toolkit for Windows". Now install PowerGUI and download the VMware.VIToolkit.powerpack. After starting PowerGUI click on "File - PowerShell Libraries..." and activate the VMware.VimAutomation.Core. Confirm and right-click on "PowerGUI - Import" and choose the PowerPack file. Now you are ready to go.

Did you know that meanwhile vConverter supports a lot of different image formats for import? Right now you can choose from:

• VMware Workstation (*.vmx, *.vmtn)
• VMware Consolidated Backup (*.vmx)
• Microsoft Virtual PC / Virtual Server (*.vmc)
• Symantec Backup Exec (*.sv2i)
• StorageCraft ShadowProtect Files (*.spf)
• Acronis True Image (*.tib)

Especially the last one is good news to me, because True Image is one of my favorites. Very flexible and reliable solution, only the server licenses became pretty high priced in the last years.

Link: http://www.vmreference.com/vi3-card/

Forbes Guthrie created a great overview of VMware specs and figures. He calls his project the "vmreference card". Very useful if you are preparing for a VMware exam, but also for your EEE (Everyday ESX Experience).

Link: http://www.icomasoft.com/powerscripter

Dennis Zimmer emigrated from Germany to Switzerland and founded his new company "icomasoft". Their product "VI PowerScripter" is a GUI that simplifies the use of PowerShell scripts and comes along with a bunch of handy templates to start from. Definitely not for PS gurus but if you don't have the time to script or to work yourself into the PowerShell, this tool will make a real difference for your daily administrative routine. Just check it out, there is a 15 day trial period.