This chapter has explained how to approach a virtualization project, using reference architectures and best practices, from the analysis of requirements, constraints, and risks to the different types of design(conceptual, logical, and physical). Network and storage aspects we discussed, as were different vCenter Server and ESXi design and planning aspects.

Three different scenarios have been used as examples of some design decisions—SMB, Enterprise, and ROBO.

In the next chapter, we will discuss the other phases, like the initial assessment for an existing environment, useful for planning and design.