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VA Technical Reference Model v 24.3

Virtualization and Consolidation of Servers (Server Virtualize First)
Virtualization and Consolidation of Servers (Server Virtualize First) Standard or Specification

General InformationGeneral Information help

Technologies must be operated and maintained in accordance with Federal and Department security and privacy policies and guidelines. More information on the proper use of the TRM can be found on the TRM Proper Use Tab/Section.

Documentation: Please view the Reference tab.
Description: Virtualization and Consolidation of Servers (Server Virtualize First) is a policy which states Virtualization should be used whenever possible on the Veterans Affairs (VA) Network based on the Technical Reference Model (TRM) and Release Architecture standards.

This has been superseded with `Cloud First`. This policy is no longer available and is a dated concept. Background:
  • Virtualization of server hardware for Information Technology (IT) has significant benefits. Specific benefits include:
    • More efficient use of hardware resources by increased utilization from 5% on average to over 50%.
    • Ability to stand up new systems much faster by avoiding the full hardware procurement cycle.
    • Ability to build in high availability at a lower cost than traditional physical environments.
    • Ability to more easily augment the configuration on the fly than traditional physical environments.
    • Provides more flexible options for disaster recovery than traditional physical systems.
  • Virtualization of systems is a foundational step to implementing the Federal Cloud First strategy and VA Directive 6517, Cloud Computing Services.
  • The TRM contains several approved technologies that allow for the implementation of virtual servers.
  • This entry is based on an internal memorandum issued on August 27, 2012, entitled `Server Virtualize First Policy` (VAIQ 7266972 08-27-2012).
VA Standard:
  • All internally developed applications shall be designed to run in virtual environments without the need for modification.
  • All newly implemented projects and applications must be fully supported on virtualized platforms.
  • As existing systems and applications reach the end of their useful life, they are to be migrated to virtualized platforms.
  • Current non-virtualized projects and applications should be scheduled for virtualization re-platforming as staff and infrastructure resources allow.


Please contact the ITOPS TRM Lead should there be any questions regarding this standard.
Technology/Standard Usage Requirements: Users must ensure their use of this technology/standard is consistent with VA policies and standards, including, but not limited to, VA Handbooks 6102 and 6500; VA Directives 6004, 6513, and 6517; and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS). Users must ensure sensitive data is properly protected in compliance with all VA regulations. Prior to use of this technology, users should check with their supervisor, Information Security Officer (ISO), Facility Chief Information Officer (CIO), or local Office of Information and Technology (OI&T) representative to ensure that all actions are consistent with current VA policies and procedures prior to implementation.
Section 508 Information:
Decision: Approved. This entry has been approved for general use.
Decision Constraints:
Decision Source: TRM Mgmt Group
Decision Process: One-VA TRM v24.1
Decision Date: 01/25/2024 at 01:34:47 UTC
Aliases: Server Virtualize First
Introduced By: TRM Request
- The information contained on this page is accurate as of the Decision Date (01/25/2024 at 01:34:47 UTC).