Simplifying Virtualization, It Could Be the Option For You
Posted by Matt Carroll on Thu, Feb 19, 2009 @ 11:10 AM
First hearing virtualization, the movie matrix came to mind and thought my boss was going to offer me a blue pill or a red pill. After some research and failed attempts at flying, virtualization is much simpler than that and a great option for businesses.
Virtualization has multiple advantages that not only benefit the customer, but also the provider and earth. It is a software allowing organizations to run multiple virtual machines on one physical server. A virtual machine has the same functions of a physical computer containing a CPU, RAM hard disk, and network interface card, but multiple virtual machines are consolidated into one. One physical server on average only uses 5 to 10% of its capacity leaving 90 to 95% of waste. So, not only do you utilize more space on your server, but it is a cost effective solution by only using a single server. The extra
space also benefits a datacenter because of obvious reasons that if multiple servers are consolidated into one, then the datacenter has more space to sell.
The use of virtualization enables rapid deployment of applications by isolating the application in a known and controlled environment. Unknown factors such as mixed libraries caused by numerous installs can be eliminated. Severe crashes once required hours of reinstallation which would take valuable time from an organization. Now, it only takes moments by simply copying a virtual image. The ease of using a virtual image also allows technicians to test and experiment in an isolated harmless environment.
Now say a virtual server is over utilizing its resources for a server. Well, that virtual machine can be easily switched to a different server that is using fewer resources. This is an efficient process for utilizing the capacity of a server and creates flexibility.
What is surprising when researching this topic is some companies will add virtualization as a way to enhance there being "green" initiative. Being "green" over the past years has become a selling point for many companies. The IT industry has a very tough time justifying being "green" with the amount of energy used to run a data center. Datacenters have to not only run the servers, but also the air conditioning units to keep the servers running at optimum performance. Virtualization on the other hand cuts down on operating costs such as electricity and reduces CO2 emissions just with the consolidation of servers. This is a way of protecting the environment and paying less while not sacrificing performance.
This is the future in the IT industry. Datacenters are able to collect inefficient servers and merge them together. Software is easily tested on virtual servers and recovery of information is less stressful and easier. Datacenters can now move with innovation and shifting business environments. Virtualization is a great, unique and innovative option for a business.
New England Data Services is now providing a virtual hosting solution!!! To learn more about this release, visit http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-england-data-services-launches/story.aspx?guid=%7BE1F39BDB%2D8B6D%2D43EE%2DA45B%2D88AA2E381821%7D&dist=msr_13 .