System 800xA ensuring that virtualization benefits are maximized
ABB has chosen VMware ESX. It can be used in 800xA systems to combine multiple 800xA server applications on a single computer. The total number of physical computers required in an installation is reduced significantly. This also reduces the required space for computers, hardware acquisition cost for computers and cabinets, and operating expenses (such as energy costs).
System 800xA can achieve higher availability and functionality with the use of less hardware when installed in a virtualized environment. This is achieved due to System 800xA’s software architecture and inherent server redundancy. Maintenance is also less resource dependent due to centralizing access through the VMware console. Via this console, the status of each server and virtual switches is presented and can be accessed from a centralized location.
Virtualization allows ABB to deliver systems that not only provide excellent energy savings and reduced hardware footprints, but also enable efficient support and maintenance of the system over its entire lifecycle. Patch deployment, server maintenance, software compatibility, and upgrades can all be executed more efficiently.
Virtual machines can either be stored on hard disks localized in the ESX server, or on a network storage device such as a Storage Area Network (SAN) server. In both cases, the storage is added to the ESX server and seen as datastores.
ABB System 800xA has a pre-tested, validated architecture that can run VMware ESX virtualization software. This lets 800xA systems run multiple 800xA nodes in a single hardware server!