Servers and Virtualization Technologies: Building Scalable, Secure, and Efficient IT Systems

Description:

In an era where digital infrastructures are the backbone of organizational success, Servers and Virtualization Technologies: Building Scalable, Secure, and Efficient IT Systems offers a comprehensive, graduate-level exploration of the critical systems that power modern enterprises. Designed for future IT leaders and cybersecurity professionals, this text systematically examines the core disciplines necessary to design, secure, and optimize server and virtualization environments at scale. Beginning with the foundational principles of server technologies, the book outlines the evolution of enterprise server roles, models of deployment (on-premises, cloud, hybrid), performance metrics, high availability, and lifecycle management strategies. Students are guided through a detailed understanding of server hardware architecture — including CPUs, memory, RAID systems, and remote management — as well as best practices for server operating systems, storage configurations, and secure networking.

Building upon this infrastructure base, the text delves into critical security practices, including server hardening, patch management, access control, SIEM integration, and secure remote access methodologies. Students will master the art of troubleshooting performance bottlenecks, applying diagnostic tools, tuning system parameters, and creating resilient documentation for long-term system management. Specialized sections offer a deep dive into virtualization technologies, introducing students to hypervisors, resource abstraction, and sandboxing concepts. Readers gain hands-on skills with VMware ESXi and vSphere environments, from deployment and cluster management to vMotion workflows and virtual networking. The book further extends into infrastructure automation with PowerCLI, Terraform, and Ansible, and provides frameworks for integrating VMware environments with public cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Each chapter weaves in emerging trends and future-facing technologies, from containerization and Kubernetes orchestration to AI/ML integration, edge computing, and cost-optimized hybrid cloud design.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive analysis of server hardware, operating systems, storage technologies, and secure networking.
• Hands-on methodologies for server security hardening, patching, logging, and incident readiness.
• Deep technical instruction on VMware ESXi, vCenter, and automation frameworks.
• Real-world applications in virtualization, hybrid cloud architecture, disaster recovery, and infrastructure optimization.
• Exploration of emerging technologies, including Kubernetes, edge computing, and AI-driven virtual infrastructure management.

Ideal For:
Graduate students in cybersecurity and IT management programs, systems administrators, virtualization engineers, cloud architects, and IT professionals seeking advanced expertise in modern server and virtualization ecosystems.

Walsh College Students: This is the required textbook for IT532: OPERATING SYSTEMS & VIRTUALIZATION

ISBN-13 979-8-9987646-3-9

Format: E-Book