Overview of Server Virtualization, and What Options are Out There?
Virtual Server environments are different from physical server environments. In a physical server environment, your business would need multiple servers to run the different applications and perform critical business services that your company needs. In a virtual environment, a single physical host server can hold many virtual servers, which would run the applications and and critical business services that would normally be installed on multiple physical servers.
The Benefits
Server virtualization offers significant features for most businesses. Top reasons to consider upgrading your physical server environment to a virtual server environment include the following:
- Decrease your company’s electricity bill and carbon footprint.
- Curtail server sprawl and use your square footage to operate your business.
- Save money by purchasing less hardware.
- Increase your IT environment security by managing server updates and patches from one central location.
- Improve overall server performance through dynamic allocation of RAM and processor power.
The most popular programs
Many companies make virtualization software that will run on a host server. All will perform the same primary functions of administering multiple virtual servers but each one has some unique features that might make one program more suited for your businesses particular needs.
- Microsoft Hyper-V is designed to integrate with the Microsoft Windows platform, making it easy to administer and manage virtualized Windows Servers and Microsoft applications.
- VMWare can run almost any operating system as a virtual server, making it optimal for any company that has blended technology platforms such as Linux, Macintosh, and Windows. It is also a great program if your company depends on older legacy systems that are installed on hardware that is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Citrix Xen Server is a low-cost alternative to the other solutions, with many add-ons and features that are free. Xen server is optimal for Linux and Windows environments and is often used as the foundation for many application virtualization solutions.
Things to consider
While server virtualization is a great choice for many businesses, it is not suitable for all business IT environments. Server virtualization might not be the best solution for businesses whose servers have the following needs:
- high processor power requirements (SQL or specialized servers)
- encrypted drives or partitions to support legal or regulatory requirements
- proxy server or web-gateway applications
To learn more
Server virtualization has many benefits that can help your business in many ways. To learn more about how server virtualization can help your business’s IT environment, talk to the virtualization experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.
Andreas KrebsMarketing Manager, All Covered, Inc.
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