Posts Tagged ‘performance’

Exploring ESXi ARM Fling v2.0 with the Turing Pi Mini ITX Board

Tuesday, November 26th, 2024

As an avid enthusiast of VMware’s innovations, I’m diving headfirst into the ESXi ARM Fling v2.0, which is built on the robust VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi 8.0.3b codebase. The ARM architecture has always intrigued me, and with this latest version, VMware has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with ESXi on ARM devices. It’s a playground full of potential for anyone experimenting with lightweight, power-efficient infrastructures.

 

The Turing Pi Journey

After much anticipation, my Turing Pi Mini ITX boards have arrived! These boards are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, offering a modular, scalable setup perfect for ARM experimentation. With a few Compute Module 4s ready to go, I’m eager to bring this setup to life. However, finding a suitable case for the Turing Pi board has proven to be a bit of a challenge.

Case Conundrum

While Turing Pi has announced an official ITX case for their boards, it’s currently on preorder and comes with a hefty price tag. For now, I’ve decided to go with a practical and versatile option: the Streamcom Mini ITX OpenBench case. Its open-frame design is functional, and it’ll keep the board accessible during testing and configuration.

I’m also considering crafting my own custom case. Using laser-cut wood or acrylic is an appealing option, offering the opportunity to create something unique and tailored to my specific requirements. But for now, the OpenBench case will do nicely as I explore the ESXi ARM Fling.

Why ESXi ARM Fling v2.0?

The ESXi ARM Fling project is an exciting venture for anyone who loves to experiment with virtualization. Running ESXi on ARM hardware offers several advantages:

  • Energy efficiency: ARM boards consume far less power compared to traditional x86 systems.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Affordable hardware like the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 makes it accessible to a wider audience.
  • Flexibility: The compact form factor of ARM devices is ideal for edge computing, IoT, or even small-scale home labs.

The v2.0 update introduces enhanced support, better performance, and bug fixes, making it an excellent choice for exploring the ARM ecosystem.

What’s Next?

With the hardware in hand and the ESXi ARM Fling v2.0 ready to install, I’m planning to dive into:

  1. Setting up and configuring the Turing Pi board with ESXi.
  2. Testing the system’s stability, performance, and scalability using multiple Raspberry Pi Compute Modules.
  3. Exploring practical use cases, such as lightweight Kubernetes clusters or edge computing applications.

I’ll share updates on the build process, challenges, and performance insights in future posts. For now, I’m excited to get started and see what this setup can achieve.

Stay tuned for more! If you’ve experimented with the ESXi ARM Fling or have tips for working with the Turing Pi board, I’d love to hear from you.

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Farewell VMware Skyline Advisor Pro: A Tribute and a Song

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024

On 4th October 2024, we bid farewell to a cherished tool in the VMware community—VMware Skyline Advisor Pro. After years of serving IT administrators and engineers in identifying and resolving issues before they could disrupt operations, this beloved tool is reaching the end of its journey. While its departure marks the closing of a chapter, the legacy it leaves behind will be remembered for its innovative contributions to proactive VMware support.

 

A Look Back: The Role of Skyline Advisor Pro

VMware Skyline Advisor Pro was more than just a tool—it was a companion for those navigating the complex landscapes of VMware environments. Introduced as an enhancement over the standard Skyline Advisor, the “Pro” version provided advanced insights into potential vulnerabilities and configuration issues. This proactive approach helped IT teams save countless hours and avoid major incidents, allowing businesses to run smoother with fewer disruptions.

One of its most valued features was its real-time, data-driven recommendations. With its ability to analyze telemetry data, the tool provided critical security advisories and performance recommendations. The integrated integration with VMware’s support services made the overall experience even more seamless, allowing businesses to stay ahead of potential issues while reducing downtime and operational costs.

Skyline Advisor Pro was there when we needed it, always scanning, always optimizing.

The End of an Era

VMware announced that Skyline Advisor Pro would reach its End of Life (EOL) in October 2024. For many of us, it’s like saying goodbye to an old friend. As IT professionals, we have come to rely on it for both routine monitoring and critical insights. Its departure means we must now look to alternative solutions and adapt to a future without Skyline.

In Memoriam: The Song “Goodbye VMware Skyline Advisor Pro”

To mark this moment and pay homage to what Skyline Advisor Pro has meant to the VMware community, Andysworld! created a heartfelt tribute—his new song titled “Goodbye VMware Skyline Advisor Pro.”

The song captures the emotions of this bittersweet farewell, reflecting the reliability, trust, and proactive support that Skyline Advisor Pro provided. Through the lyrics and melody, Andy has crafted a personal expression of gratitude toward a tool that, for so long, kept our infrastructure safe and sound.

“Goodbye VMware Skyline Advisor Pro” symbolizes not just the end of a tool but also the beginning of new innovations to come. As one door closes, the VMware ecosystem will continue to evolve, finding new ways to support IT teams across the globe.

Looking Ahead

While the EOL of VMware Skyline Advisor Pro is sad for those of us who relied on it, it’s also a reminder that technology is always changing. As VMware pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, we can look forward to the next generation of tools and solutions that will help us manage our environments.

For now, we take a moment to reflect on Skyline Advisor Pro’s contributions and listen to Andy’s musical tribute as we say our goodbyes.

Here’s to the future, and here’s to never forgetting what made Skyline Advisor Pro special. Goodbye, old friend.

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