First off, let me say that I am new to ESXi server and I have a few basic architecture questions. I currently have a Windows 2008 Server. The OS is installed on a RAID 1 array. My data is stored on a separate RAID 5 array. The data is a group of shared folders with security permissions set on them. I have a few questions that I can't seem to find answers to on the web or in the forums, so I'm hopeful that some of the experts here can help me out.
My plan is that the new server will have a single RAID 5 array for the ESXi OS, images, and data. I would like to VMconvert the existing server to an image on the new server. I know how to do this and believe that I can do this successfully. My next question is where I am struggling...how do I move my data over to the new server so that I can share it with the newly converted 2008 server image? I currently have a domain configured and all of the clients have access to the shared folder/files on the existing server. Is there a way to archtitect this on the new server using ESXi?
I have a friend that is pushing me towards installing Windows Server on the new hardware and using Hyper-V for my virtualization needs. I do understand that I can share my data just as I am doing now if I go this route, but I would like a more stable environment and would like to use ESXi on the bare metal.
I am hopeful you guys can help me out with these few questions. Any feedback or recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Rich