Hypervisor Modernization for a K-12 Education Environment

Challenge

A public-sector education organization needed to modernize an aging server environment that relied on legacy hypervisors, outdated operating systems, and aging physical server infrastructure. Several workloads were running on older Windows Server platforms, while other systems depended on aging physical or virtual servers. The client needed a structured modernization effort to stabilize the virtualization layer, reduce dependency on legacy infrastructure, and create a stronger foundation for future backup and security initiatives.

Approach

Safari Micro delivered a phased infrastructure modernization engagement centered on hypervisor replacement and workload migration. This included installing and staging a new Dell VxRail cluster in coordination with Dell engineering resources, testing migration paths for supported Windows Server virtual machines, migrating Windows Server 2012 or newer VMs to the new host platform, staging new Windows Server 2019 or newer VMs to replace legacy server workloads, repairing or replacing the existing Windows Server Update Services function, installing and configuring Dell switches, configuring cloud-based controllers, and updating documentation and remote access details.

Results

• New Dell VxRail hyperconverged cluster installed and staged
• Supported virtual machines migrated from legacy hosts to the new platform
• Replacement path established for legacy server workloads
• Modern Windows Server instances staged for outdated systems
• Supporting Dell switch configuration completed
• Cloud-based controllers configured
• Update services reviewed and repaired or replaced as needed
• Infrastructure documentation and remote access details updated
• Foundation created for future backup and security modernization phases