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What is virtualisation?
Virtualisation is the division of
one physical server into a number of
virtual servers or machines. Each
virtual machine is then able to run
a number of applications and
operating systems.
The main
benefit of this technology is that
it allows you to combine a number of
physical resources into one single
virtual device. Storage
virtualisation, for example, allows
you to combine several network
storage repositories into just one
virtual device for a speedier and
more effective management and
allocation of resources. Other
examples include:
Application virtualisation
– which disengages applications from
the operating systems and hardware,
allowing these to be relocated
without impacting upon the other
systems.
Network virtualisation
- which separates available
bandwidth into separate channels
allowing each to be allocated to a
specific server or device.
Desktop virtualisation
- which allows a central server to
manage desktops from a remote
location, enabling IT staff to
manage them virtually rather than
physically.
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What are the benefits?
Taking advantage of one of the many
server virtualisation products (such
as VMware or Windows Virtual
Server), could help deliver a range
of benefits to your business,
including:
1. Reducing hardware costs
– virtualisation generally leads to
a lower number of physical servers,
saving you money in terms of
hardware purchase and maintenance.
2. Maximising office space
– fewer physical servers frees up
valuable space in your office that
could be better used for other
things.
3. Keeping key applications separate
– running a virtual server for each
application means that when one
application needs to be changed,
migrated or upgraded, it does not
impact on others.
4. Speeding up server administration
– establishing a server build that
can be readily duplicated in a
virtual environment will save time
on server deployment.
5. Running different operating
systems on a single platform
– multiple systems
can be run on one single hardware
platform.
Positive impact on the environment
But it's not just the potential to
save time and money that has seen a
growth in demand for virtualisation.
Support for this technology has also
been gathering pace thanks to its
perceived green credentials.
"By virtualising everything,
[...] we only deploy what we need,”
says Jacob Hall of financial
services firm, Wachovia.
“Ultimately, we're saving energy,
and with fewer devices in deployment
that later need to be thrown away,
there's less of an impact on the
environment from a carbon and
hazardous materials perspective."
Beware: one size does not
fit all
As always, businesses need to
carefully consider all options and
assess which technology is right for
them. Just like cloud computing,
virtualisation has become an
industry buzz-term which is been
hawked by some as a 'must have'
rather than merely one of several
possible solutions.
If you're considering virtualisation
as a potential cost-saver for your
business, call us on the number
below and request a meeting to
discuss this technology with one of
our consultants.
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