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.

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.