Server virtualization is when many virtual machines or even virtual systems are run by only one real-life server. Companies can use this to make huge changes to the operation of their data centers.
There are many advantages of implementing sever virtualization. Intergrid have put together some of the pros of server virtualisation.
Reduced Costs
Most companies are always looking at ways to reduce costs and server virtualization can help them to do just that. Some of the ways that it reduces expenses are:
– Lower costs for hardware. Since you will be changing from physical servers to virtual ones, then much fewer physical servers are actually needed.
– Lower costs for maintenance. Due to less hardware being present, you don’t need to maintain as much physical hardware or hire a lot of IT staff to do so.
– Lower costs for utilities. Since there are significantly fewer servers, then you will use much less electricity for running these machines as well as keeping them cool.
Reduced Footprint (Data Center)
Next, another benefit is that you will have a much smaller data center footprint. Basically, due to the fact that you don’t need to have numerous real servers, racks, IT gear and personnel, then this means that you don’t need a large data center space. Also, due to the fact that you have much fewer servers generating a lot less heat, then the cost for cooling and cooling systems are naturally reduced. This causes a significantly reduced data center footprint which is very environmentally friendly. Many consumers are very interested in environmentally friendly companies and it does a great deal of improving how your brand is perceived.
Server Virtualization Makes It Much Simpler To Go On The Cloud
Once server virtualization has been completed, then you’ve made a large step towards being able to move your business onto the cloud. By implementing server virtualization, your staff will need to become accustomed to dealing with this which will actually prepare them for moving to the cloud due to the huge similarities. So, when you do move your business onto the cloud, it will go a lot smoother and definitely more successful.
Lowered Costs For Hardware
Even though we have already discussed how the cost for hardware would be decreased, it still deserves more discussion. When server virtualization is implemented, then the hardware that does remain will be actually used to a much higher degree since each remaining physical server will have to host numerous virtual machines. You won’t even require application servers since the virtual machines would be able to handle all applications on their own.
Better Recovery After Disaster
Next, another huge advantage of server virtualization is that your company would be able to recover a lot faster after most types of disasters. The majority of software used for virtualization includes easy automation of backups and replications. You can even do disaster testing which is similar to a fire drill, except it’s for your virtualization system. This is great because it shows you exactly what would happen in the event of a real disaster and you don’t have to guess or hope for the best. You can also make sure that your particular infrastructure will respond in the exact ways that you want it to during and after a disaster so that it can recover quickly.
Greater Productivity Among Staff
Since there are much fewer physical servers and hardware, then there is a much lower need for maintenance as well as management. So, your IT staff don’t have to spend time on these tasks and they can instead use that time for another crucial aspects of your business.
Quicker Redeployment Of Servers
Due to virtualization, you can redeploy your system a lot faster as well as copy your an entire machine or machines in very little time. You can easily get any of your servers back up without having to completely install new ones. As a result of such fast redeployment, you won’t have any problems with user experience.
As you can see, server virtualization is a great way to solve many common problems in most businesses. The benefits listed above can help to drastically improve efficiency, cut costs, improve business operation and more.