An organization has agreed on software for web server virtualization. What should the administrator reference before purchasing hosts?

The hardware compatibility list is crucial for administrators to reference before purchasing hosts for web server virtualization. This list outlines the specific hardware components and systems that are certified to work seamlessly with the virtualization software provided by the vendor. Ensuring that the selected hosts are on this list helps avoid potential issues related to incompatibility, such as performance degradation, lack of support, or outright failure to run the virtualization software.

Using hosts that are validated on the hardware compatibility list ensures that the organization can leverage the full features of the virtualization software and can expect optimal performance. It also minimizes risks related to troubleshooting and support, as the vendor is more likely to provide assistance for supported hardware configurations.

Other factors, such as service level agreements and licensing agreements, play important roles in the overall software procurement process but do not specifically address compatibility and performance issues associated with the underlying hardware necessary for running the virtualization software effectively.