Methodology

Stage 1 - Strategic Overview

The ViFX methodology begins with a virtualisation overview to ensure that all parties share a common understanding and a common vocabulary. Virtualisation concepts can apply to server infrastructure, applications, storage, data, desktop environments and communications. Solutions exist in all these areas however without a shared understanding of both the technology and the business issues motivating change, success is invariably limited.

In our experience virtualisation is more of a journey than a destination, however it is beneficial to have some idea of the overall plan.

Stage 2 - Assessment

Following on from the Strategic Overview, ViFX will undertake a detailed assessment of the opportunities for virtualisation within an organisation. This phase will uncover potential issues as well as clarifying the possible financial benefits of each aspect of the project. ViFX employ and are certified in the latest tools to thoroughly analyse a client environment and make detailed recommendations on a suitable priority list for project status.
As a result of the overview process, the assessment phase will focus on areas that are likely to provide the most substantial benefit.

Stage 3 - Design

Using a combination of industry experience and best practice techniques, ViFX are able to work with the organisation's key IT staff to translate the opportunities identified in the assessment phase into a detailed design document.
Acknowledging that design is an interactive process, with the need to optimise a number of potentially conflicting parameters, the ViFX Architects will contribute perspective, vision and experience gained over a substantial number of virtualisation projects.

Stage 4 - Implementation

The process of translating designs from paper to reality is where many projects of this nature fail. ViFX recommends the engagement of senior program managers to provide clarity and externally imposed discipline on all parties.

Typically involving a number of disparate groups, both within and external to an organisation (hardware vendors, outsource support company, Telco for example), the implementation phase must consider change management, communication and stakeholder feedback as primary factors in the overall success of the project.

Stage 5 - Management

A virtualised environment breaks down the relationship between physical resource (number of processors for instance) and how the resource is allocated. While this abstraction drives the impressive benefits of a virtualisation project, it adds a degree of complexity to the ongoing operational management of the infrastructure.
ViFX has developed a number of management approaches designed to give the organisation complete oversight and pro-active control of its virtual infrastructure.

As third party support organisations are often involved in infrastructure support, it is imperative that the management layer is implemented, documented and administered correctly and according to best practice. ViFX will document and train nominated personnel, or implement management services and monitor the organisation on an ongoing basis.against organisational issues or objectives.