Server Virtualization

Server virtualization can be extremely useful for network administrators that need several separate operating systems, each with its own private server.

What is Server Virtualization?

This is the process of making multiple virtual replications of a physical server, by creating partitions that can be run independently of each other. 

A physical, or dedicated, server will be run on a single operating system, with limited versatility in function.

Virtual servers will allow you to configure each replica separately, with its own operating system, software, IP address, domain name, file directory, analytics, and more.

How does Server Virtualization Work?

A server is a dedicated computer that is used to host applications and files available for use on a computer network.

Servers need to be powerful in order to carry out various functions and complex tasks. Most businesses will require multiple servers to handle these tasks efficiently. This is because running several applications on a single server can create overload or incompatibility issues.

Also, running only one application per server makes problems easier to troubleshoot when they come up.

Trying to accomplish this with multiple physical servers is not practical as it requires a considerable amount of physical space and power to run them.

Virtual servers are an effective way to streamline business operations, improve efficiency, and reduce complications.

Benefits of Server Virtualization for your Business

There are an abundance of advantages to using virtual servers for your business operations, especially if you handle a lot of data or run a variety of applications on your servers.

Some of the greatest benefits, may include:

• Consolidation
• Redundancy
• Testing new software
• Server migration
• Reduced energy costs
• Reduced installations, maintenance, and repair
• Independent user environments
• Scalability
• Facilitates cloud migration

Consolidation

Virtualizing your servers helps save space by consolidating operations. Virtual servers allow you to run several applications simultaneously, all on different servers, using only a small amount of processing power. 

For businesses that require a large number of servers, this significantly reduces the amount of physical space needed as well as the amount of power required to run them.

Redundancy

Redundancy is an effective way to back up your server data, and prevent disruption of service.

Hard drive failure on your server can mean big problems for your business operations. Redundancy helps reduce this issue by creating multiple copies of files across more than one server.

Server virtualization offers a way to implement redundancy without purchasing and configuring additional hardware.

This is an effective method to deal with server failure because if one server goes down, there is another virtual machine running the same application ready to take its place.

Testing New Software

If you are thinking about using a new OS or software application for your business, the ultimate testing ground is on a virtual server.

New software can be run on an independent virtual server, without the worry of affecting other applications.

Server Migration

Advanced technology in server virtualization has made server migration more practical and easier than ever.

Server migration is the process of transporting a server environment from one location to another. 

In the past, server migration was only possible if both physical servers were comprised of the same hardware, same OS, and same processor.

Now virtual servers can be moved from one physical server to another with different operating systems and processors, as long as the processors are manufactured by the same company.

Reduced Energy Costs

What business would not be interested in new ways to cut down on energy expenses?

The fewer physical servers you are running; the less power is needed to fuel your network.

Reduced energy consumption is not only good for your business, but also for the environment.

Reduced IT Costs

Virtual servers not only reduce the energy needed to run them, but also the manpower. 

Server virtualization means your IT staff will spend less time on installations, maintenance, and repairs to the network, freeing them up for other tasks.

Independent User Environments

Having each virtual server dedicated to different applications means that you can have independent operators performing a variety of tasks without the worry of conflict or negative impacts on one another.

This also helps boost productivity, allowing the capability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

Scalability

The quick and easy deployment of new virtual servers makes configuring additional servers for the network much less involved and time consuming than adding a physical server.

Cloud Migration

The growing trend for a lot of companies, these days is to migrate more and more business operations to the cloud. 

The cloud is becoming much more reliable, manageable, and cost-effective all the time.

Server virtualization is a good gateway for migrating other business operations to the efficiency of the cloud environment.