Executives of IT organizations are compelled to quickly implement server virtualization solutions because of significant cost savings. However, most IT professionals tasked with deploying virtualization solutions have little or no experience with the technology. This creates a high demand for information on virtualization and how to properly implement it in a datacenter. Advanced Server Virtualization: VMware® and Microsoft® Platforms in the Virtual Data Center focuses on the core knowledge needed to evaluate, implement, and maintain an environment that is using server virtualization. This book emphasizes the design, implementation and management of server virtualization from both a technical and a consultative point of view. It provides practical guides and examples, demonstrating how to properly size and evaluate virtualization technologies. This volume is not based upon theory, but instead on real world experience in the implementation and management of large scale projects and environments. Currently, there are few experts in this relatively new field, making this book a valuable resource The book is divided into major sections making it both a step-by-step guide for learning and implementing server virtualization as well as a quick reference. The chapter organization focuses first on introducing concepts and background, and then provides real-world scenarios.