Softgrid: Under the Covers Documentation
Background
It's not easy finding one document that captures the essence of Softgrid. Most events will have a slide deck taken from a larger deck available internally and to partners alike. As such the level of detail presented is somewhere between marketing and pre-sales. Techies will hunger for more information.
To fill the Gap at recent Microsoft events 4Sol have been present with a live demo environment. No death by PowerPoint here!
Outside of such events however you are pretty much left to the mercy of the Softgrid website which goes skin deep as far as detail is concerned. I had previously come across a Softricity document that explained pretty much everything. Considering it's not the easiest to find I thought I would share it and comment on some of the contents.
The Document you have been searching for
Actually there are three.
Softricity 3.2 Under the Covers
Softgrid 4.0 Under the Covers
Softgrid 4.1 Under the Covers
Anyone serious in understanding Softgrid should read this document from end to end, and glance the earlier versions. This is an honest appraisal of the technology.
The Highlights
Softgrid is not Machine Virtualisation
The success of machine virtualisation technologies means that when you use the word virtualisation it has become associated by default with the type of solution offered by VMware and Microsoft Virtual Server. Not only have they taken the time to explain the difference they have included a nice diagram worth sharing.
Source: Desktop Virtualization Is The Future Of The Corporate PC, Forrester Research, Inc., January 2006
From Left to Right: Machine Virtualisation [Virtual Server/PC], Application Virtualisation [Softgrid], UI Virtualisation [Terminal Services]
System Requirements
Slightly Tweaked from previous material - but note the brand change "Microsoft System Center"
The Art and Science of Sequencing
Arguably the best bit of the document. The use of language is interesting. My favorite quote:
It is important to note that, as described above,sequencing is somewhat of an art, and takes knowledge, practice, and intuition to perform with efficiency. We have found that this can be accomplished in a relatively short time, and once mastered, the time-to-deploy improves considerably. (Note: It is recommended that individuals who will be responsible for sequencing applications attend official training and get certified on the product. Alternatively, customers can turn to a SoftGrid Consulting Partner, who has certified engineers on staff.)
Other Areas cover in this document
- What Softgrid Does and Does not do
- Real-Life Deployment Considerations
- The kind of problems being solved by Softgrid
Last Words
This document was written for people wanting to know a bit more of the technical side of things. The rebranding is interesting as is the frank appraisal.
About the Author
James is currently employed by 4Sol Ltd based in Northern Ireland. He achieved Softricity Certified Professional Status mid 2006. Over the past year he has been involved in a number of Softgrid projects - ranging from new installations and sequencing through to demos/POCs or general Softgrid training.
James can be contacted through the NIMTUG site or through 4sol.
