Manage Storage Migration with Virtualization

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The definition of Data Migration is simple and straight-forward: "To transfer data between one source location to a new destination." However, the migration process adds complexity, particularly when the source and the destination are running different operating systems, different types of storage or different storage formats.

Storage management is one of those often overlooked, but critical, core IT Pro functions. The old adage that files will grow to fill all available storage is still true. Adjusting storage and moving files around is not exciting, it is also not rocket science. Storage issues involving virtual machines is a different, more complex story, albeit one that provides substantially greater reliability once it is in place. With files stored on a PC, there are times when users are away and the data can be moved without disrupting work. However, files stored by a virtual machine can cause serious errors if they are moved while users are working on them or an application needs access.

Microsoft built System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2 to prevent administrators from having to schedule downtime to move files to a new location, whether physical or virtual. A feature called Quick Storage Migration (QSM) enables you to move virtual machines from one storage unit to another. To help compare the steps below with the ones you will need to take, the resources on this page look at the virtualization technology involved, requirements and how to install and configure the components needed.