Fileserver - separate physical computer or virtual *nix?

[geljockey]

I just started to explore OS virtualization and it has me thinking. If I am going to deploy a new fileserver, using Opensolaris & ZFS/RAIDZ, do I truly need to build a separate dedicated box? Or, could I not simply add a bunch of drives to my existing tower, do a virtual install of Opensolaris running within windows, and create a ZFS-based file server?

The fileserver is being created for both fileserving and backup purposes.

The pros as I see them would be:

1) Lower cost
2) Centralized management

The cons as I see them would be:

1) Potentially higher chance of failure (all systems in same box)
2) Slower speed

Is this doable? If so, does it make sense? Should I just do the sane route and build a separate box?

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: geljockey
The fileserver is being created for both fileserving and backup purposes.

The pros as I see them would be:

1) Lower cost
2) Centralized management

The cons as I see them would be:

1) Potentially higher chance of failure (all systems in same box)
2) Slower speed

Is this doable? If so, does it make sense? Should I just do the sane route and build a separate box?

* Of course it's "doable"
* Of course you should build a stand alone box as a fileserver... Unless you are not sane.

 

[Nothinman]

* Of course you should build a stand alone box as a fileserver... Unless you are not sane.

Why not? Well I wouldn't put the fileserver on the same machine as my desktop for performance reasons, but using a VM for the fileserver on another box isn't a bad idea.