Integrating with VMware VirtualCenter and the vendor's AppDirector product (which is required), VirtualDirector is a network appliance (it's also available as an ESX Server-based virtual appliance) that can automatically and in real-time--based on corporate defined policies--adjust virtual resources in response to performance-based metrics. Specifically, VirtualDirector can send signals to VirtualCenter to either activate or suspend virtual machines, as well as adjust their priorities in regards to shared resources ("shares"); as well as send signals to AppDirector for the automated adjustment of load balancing metrics.

The vendor notes that as a separately deployed network appliance, VirtualDirector provides an out-of-band platform that can monitor external performance indicators in addition to those provided by VirtualCenter itself; i.e., besides the examination of CPU and memory resources as reported by VirtualCenter, VirtualDirector can examine (and take into account) the business value of transactions, network-based metrics (total traffic, transactions per second, etc.), and protocol-based metrics (the number of HTTP communications, for example). Additionally, the platform supports the ability to import 3rd party metrics.

Such metrics are used by the administrators in the definition of performance policies that will then govern when the product instructs VirtualCenter to activate, suspend, or re-prioritize VMs in the defined pool and AppDirector to re-balance network traffic. The product ships with out-of-the-box policies and support for customization. Further, an advisory mode is available in which the product does not take any automated actions, but instead simply recommends actions based on the monitored metrics. Management and administration of VirtualDirector itself is via a Flash-enabled Web browser.

VirtualDirector's integration with AppDirector additionally enables it to provide automated, global-scale load-balancing capabilities; with policy-definitions triggering the redirection of VM traffic and/or suspension/activation of VMs whether they reside locally or at a remote data center.

VirtualDirector is now available in 1U or 2U (the 2U adds a redundant power supply) form factors, as well as a Virtual Appliance. Base pricing starts at $30,000 per unit.

Contact Radware for further information.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

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