For an organization just starting out with server virtualization and a server consolidation project, one of the first questions asked is about how to properly size the environment - capacity planning. HP is stepping up to the plate to try and help their customers do just that with the release of their online tool - the HP VMware Solution Sizer. HP describes it like so: This is an automated tool that assists the For an organization just starting out with server virtualization and a server consolidation project, one of the first questions asked is about how to properly size the environment – capacity planning. HP is stepping up to the plate to try and help their customers do just that with the release of their online tool – the HP VMware Solution Sizer.HP describes it like so: This is an automated tool that assists the user with the size and scope of their server environment. This sizer will calculate the best way to consolidate old servers onto new machines running multiple virtualized environments. The sizing information and algorithms have been developed using testing and performance data on HP Servers running VMware ESX Server. After a short questionnaire, the user will be presented with a solution detailing the recommended hardware with part numbers and a price list. The user will also find a chart detailing the recommended consolidation configuration and estimated utilizations for the new hardware. Before using the tool, the user is expected to have the following information available: Statistics describing the configuration and current loads of the old servers to consolidate. This Excel spreadsheet can be used to help collect this data. VMware ESX Server options including NIC redundancy and VMotion. Storage configuration including desired drive type, RAID level and storage methods. HP Proliant Server platforms of interest. Target utilizations desired for the host machines. And miscellaneous options detailing the desired consolidation strategy.You can access the online tool, here. Software Development