User guide

Linux P2V Conversions 125
Linux Conversion Overview
When a user configures a task and specifies the source server, the Conversion Service
receives a command from the GUI Application to collect some needed system
information. This is done by uploading into the source server some special daemon
programs and executing them. The programs are called Migration Tool Package (MTP).
Once the information is collected, the GUI is updated, so user can fill in some specific
system settings, e.g. select the volumes to be converted, choose whether or not X
Window is to be enabled on the target. Finally, user saves the task.
When the task is started, the Conversion Service enables the Post Processing Service
(PPS). This service is running within the VMware vMA. PPS creates the target VM,
reserves necessary virtual disks via an available server API, and prepares the target to
receive the source machine image.
After that, MTP starts sending data from the source machine to the target. First, the
source system is rebooted in the Cold mode. Then, the disk capturing process is
invoked: MTP reads partitions sector-by-sector and sends the data to PPS. Once
capturing is completed, MTP reboots the source system to restore it’s original state.
The last step is making hardware-specific configuration on the target VM, and
registering the new VM on the target VM repository.
An architectural representation of the Linux P2V process is shown below:
Important Information About Linux Conversions
Due to the differences between Windows and Linux, and to the variety of Linux
distributions and implementations, there are some important restrictions and limitations
that apply to Linux P2V conversions.
• Volume Resize: Volume resize operations are not supported for Linux
conversions.