subject: 5 Ways Your Business Could Save Money with Server Virtualization [print this page] 5 Ways Your Business Could Save Money with Server Virtualization
Information technology changes at an extraordinary pace. Things we only thought about a few years ago are available today. In addition, IT is one of the few areas of business where it is possible to do more with less. One area of IT that is becoming increasing common is IT virtualization - a technique that allows for making more efficient use of IT servers.
Save on Hardware
Server virtualization is a way to run multiple independent virtual operating systems on a single server. Rather than having several servers to run different aspects of a company's information technology needs on different servers there is only one server. This means that only one
server, rather than several, need to be maintained and acquired. Key savings from virtualization relate to avoiding the expenses attendant to operating multiple servers.
Reduce Maintenance Expenses
Virtualization technology allows a company to take a single, inexpensive, IU dual-core dual-socket off the shelf server and make it run up to 16 virtual operating systems. It is a way to increase server prevalence. A $3,000 2-socket 4-core server has more power than a $30,000 8-socket 8-core of bought four years ago. By exploiting this less expensive, more powerful hardware multiple logical operating systems can be run from a single server. This technology cuts cash outlays for hardware acquisition and maintenance costs which is a significant benefit to an organization or company.
Lower Energy Costs
By consolidating servers through the use of virtual server technology energy savings are an immediate Return on Investment (ROI) for company's who choose this way of doing more with less. Obviously, the fewer servers used the less power flows to IT for server operation.
In addition, servers are usually in rooms without windows (to keep the sun from warming the ambient temperature) and room ventilation is a year round activity. Often, air conditioning is on year round, though in temperate climates winter fresh air may be enough. In any event, fewer servers need less cooling and that further lessens electrical cost.
Reduce IT Staff
With fewer servers due to server virtualization technology, it is possible to reduce IT staff hours for server maintenance. This means that IT can undertake additional projects or reduce staff. Whether a company chooses to use the newly available time for IT projects or to reduce staffing, businesses save money.
Use Less Space
Fewer servers require less space. Where once there may have been eight or more servers, the work can now be done by no more than two servers. The space once dedicated to all those servers can be used for other things. A company might be able to put that space to valuable use rather than having to find more space elsewhere - another savings.
