Contributed Article by David Borg, Dell.
There has been a dramatic
increase in the number of companies using virtualization as a part of their IT
infrastructure over the past few years. With so many benefits it's no wonder
that virtualization is taking off.
So what is virtualization?
When companies talk about
virtualization mostly they are talking about server virtualization. Server
virtualization consists of removing the operating system from a traditional
workstation and relocating a "virtual desktop image," or copy of it on a host
server. Dell is one company that offers desktop virtualization
solutions that are flexible and innovation. Once a virtual
desktop image has been created, it is easy to update other virtual
workstations in minutes and send out patches, applications, data, display
settings and Windows 7 migration. The great
thing about server virtualization is that each virtual machine can act
independently as a separate physical resource with other devices, data and
applications.
Benefits of
Virtualization
The main benefits of virtualization are that it allows an IT
manager to manage systems with more flexibility and control, at a lower cost,
with added security. Disaster recovery plans are a built in part of
virtualization because virtualized images can recover all of a systems'
servers. Virtualization also allows a manager to set up multiple systems, easily,
at a faster rate that also reduces costs.
Flexibility and Control
Virtualization is an extremely flexible option because it
allows IT managers to expand, shrink or move the virtual computer without
modifying the hardware. With virtualization data can be moved without affecting
access to the data. Data is no longer bound to a physical hard drive like a
desktop which gives companies more flexibility to grow their data field or
change in their file storage environment.
Environmentally
Friendly
Virtualization reduces the number of servers a company uses
which decreases the energy it takes to operate and cool the servers. Without
virtualization many data centers run at only a fraction of their capacity and
thus are very inefficient at converting electricity into IT work. Virtualization
reduces energy use by helping systems run at peak performance and optimize
energy use. The reduced about of servers decreases energy while maintaining the
same processing power. IT managers are also allowed to turn off computers from
a centralized location in order to not waste electricity and money. All of this
means a significant improvement in IT efficiency and reduction in greenhouse
gas emissions.
Cost Benefit
Organizations can dramatically increase the efficiency of
their existing data center through virtualization and potentially avoid the
massive cost of building a new one. With virtualization, instead of buying new
computers every 3-5 years, older computers can run new applications though the
virtualized server. Sometimes companies only run one application on a server
because they don't want to risk the application failing and crashing the other
computers. With virtualization, computers becoming a multi-tasking one and
multiple servers into a computing pool that can adapt to large workloads.
Another added cost benefit is a reduction in time it takes to send out patches
and updates. Virtualized machines can be turned off from a centralized location
which also reduces utility costs.
Virtualization is a long lasting solution to
reduce the hassles IT managers face with managing, securing and upgrading
computers. Through a virtualized system it's easier to keep desktops updated
and secure and the cost benefits and environmental benefits companies reap from
upgrading to a virtualized system are an added bonus.
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About the Author
David Borg works with Dell. When he is not working, he
enjoys spending time with his children. If you're looking for more information
on Dell virtualization, David recommends you check out this link.