Virtualization Stands For Real IT Benefits
Virtualization is sometimes viewed by certain companies with deep suspicion, often not understood properly and perhaps, even simplistically misinterpreted as ‘unreal’ and therefore, easy to dismiss. It’s argued that if data cannot be physically seen to be safely secured in a server locked in a room on the company premises, then they don’t want to know, end of!
The obvious error with this argument of course, is that the security of the computer network infrastructure itself, should be the principal object of concern, not by which work station, or in which cupboard the server stands. The problem for many businesses has been the loss of data because an accident, disaster or emergency has compromised the security and continued use of the operating system. The time and cost often involved with disaster recovery is predominantly, a direct result of compromised client side servers.
The concept of virtualization, whereby, a server is virtually partitioned into several sections, allowing each section to work individually, is not a new concept. The increased security is a result of the partitioned servers being isolated from one another, so that a problem affecting the one does not affect the others. A virtual server can be used to trap viruses and other malicious programs.
The adoption of virtualization and the reduction of the number of servers needed, has demonstrably delivered tangible benefits to daily business operating in numerous industries of all sizes. They consistently point to improved server utilisation, application management and availability to data backup, network security and protection.
In addition to reducing the amount of physical hardware, there is a corresponding reduction of energy consumption and generated heat in server rooms, and the opening up of valuable server rack space.
Of paramount concern always, is the ability for companies to significantly reduce the time spent daily on routine IT administrative tasks, including the ongoing development and launch of new applications. In today’s competitive, economic environment, outsourcing IT releases and refocuses valuable company resources to prioritise their other areas of urgent business needs.
Lack of budget and resources are often the most stated reasons given for companies holding back on implementing much needed IT streamlining, yet the reality of virtualization is you buy less hardware, which means saving on the costs of hardware purchase and maintenance.
Individualised local region IT support for virtual servers optimises multiple location business continuity because of partitioned server processing.
