I don't think virtualization "shifts" complexity, just adds the complexity to the sysadmin's shoulders as well. That's because the DBA still has another server to manage with another set of installs, etc. So, I don't think virtualization really reduces complexity for anyone, but I don't think that's what it is advertised to do. I see virtualization as a way to better utilize the underutilized hardware investment--complexity is a by-product. I agree that the management tools help manage the complexity, but I don't think they reduce the complexity. That is, you (or at least I) ultimately have to learn how to do everything without the tools because I'm a pessimist by nature and I want to stay employed. I've never worked for an employer that would allow me to sit on my hands when "the tool" failed to work properly. Usually, I chose the tool, so the fact that it failed is also my problem :-/ Dan ----- Original Message ---- From: Jared Still <jkstill@xxxxxxxxx> To: mzito@xxxxxxxxxxx Cc: oracle-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, January 3, 2008 6:00:32 PM Subject: Re: Server Architecture On Jan 3, 2008 9:10 AM, Matthew Zito <mzito@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Virtualization is useful, but doesn't really solve this problem. It simply shifts the complexity from one set of shoulders (the DBA) to another set (the sysadmin). And your point is? ;) -- Jared Still Certifiable Oracle DBA and Part Time Perl Evangelist