What is Server Virtualization

Author: Lawrence Reaves

Author: Lawrence Reaves

Server virtualization is the means by which a network administrator is able to "hide" the actual physical servers and network hardware (known as "masking") from the network users. The network users no longer see a particular server or drive on the network, instead they see a "virtual" environment which contains their applications and files.

The network administrator achieves this masking by using software which divides a physical server into multiple "virtual" environments which are also isolated from each other. These private environments are also known as Virtual Private Servers (VPS), but they are also known by a number of other names too - guests, containers, emulations and instances.

Why should a business consider using server virtualization?

Server virtualization itself is part of an information technology development concerning servers and data storage. By using server virtualization your network will be able to respond to the demand placed upon by users rather than an always-on state. In plain English, you don't need so many servers in your network because the virtual servers are only created when users need them; when one user has finished, their VPS environment effectively disappears. Using server virtualization, you can increase the efficiency of your network from around 20% to up to 80%.

Fewer servers and the associated hardware (racking, hosting, power, routers, cabling etc) means reduced capital and operating cost and this is likely to be a highly significant reduction.

Server virtualization also prevents what is known as "server sprawl", which is where new servers are added to host new applications when there is already spare capacity in the existing server farm. This leads to reductions in the capital and operating cost of implementing new solutions, in many cases, this leads to enhancing proposed solutions and projects which otherwise would not be viable even in their basic proposed form.

You are also able to simplify and reduce the costs of associated with your disaster recovery strategy. Replicating VPS off-site is simple and cheap to do, and again you need not replicate your server farm or have stand-by servers which represent a huge saving in terms of cost.

Network support and helpdesk costs are also significantly reduced as virtual desktops do not need an engineer to physically visit the user. The support staff are also able to access all of the applications and the operating system being used by employees on their laptops and desks from a central location. This also leads to a huge reduction in operating costs associated with support but in addition, less hardware also means there is less to go wrong so clients experience reduced costs, greater uptime and greater efficiencies leading to a higher Return on Investment (ROI).

Implementation and migration to a virtual server environment can be performed with minimal interruption to network users and operations. User adoption is also not relevant because users do not see any difference in their desktops nor with the service they are experiencing. The changeover is seamless, so there are no issues regarding user education or barriers to adopting new technology and techniques.About the Author:

Lawrence Reaves is a strong believer in Virginia Beach IT Services, such as Virginia Beach virtualization and Virginia Beach network security. For these services, Lawrence recommends PLANIT Technology Group, which can be found online at: PLANITTech.com.

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