Virtualization and Cloud executives share their predictions for 2014.  Read them in this VMblog.com series exclusive.

Contributed article by Tim Hannibal, president and CEO, VaultLogix

2014 Predictions: SMBs to Rapidly Adopt Cloud-Based Data Protection for Newly Virtualized Environments

Small to midsized businesses (SMBs) are adopting server virtualization at a pace even more rapid than larger companies. According to a survey by Techaisle published earlier this year, 29% of SMBs in the US expected to have implemented server virtualization in 2013. Nearly a quarter of those organizations were looking to virtualize more than 75% of their servers, with 15% shooting for 100% server virtualization.

But while more of their business and critical data resides on virtual servers -- many SMBs still lack simple, affordable and comprehensive data protection for their newly virtualized environments. That leads us to believe that in 2014, SMBs with virtual environments will rapidly adopt better ways of protecting their data.

SMBs Are Embracing Virtual Servers

Key reasons for the widespread adoption of server virtualization among SMBs include: 

• Efficiency and cost advantages -- Many organizations dedicate a physical server to a single key application, like the ERP or accounting system. This can waste considerable processing power. By enabling the consolidation of several virtual machines onto one physical system, virtualization improves the utilization of server hardware and reduces space and power requirements.
  

• Reduced IT complexity -- Server virtualization accelerates and simplifies server provisioning by allowing SMBs to readily move virtual workloads across physical systems without impacting users. Streamlined provisioning also makes it possible for programmers and administrators to test new code in safe, isolated environments without the need for dedicated physical systems.
  

• Improved business continuity -- Because virtual servers can run on a wide range of hardware, and can utilize it very efficiently, they make it easier and cheaper to implement redundancy by running multiple instances of the same application on different physical servers.

Replacing current backup processes

Unfortunately, for many SMBs the virtual server backup process has been slow, fragmented and/or error prone.

To protect the critical data that resides on virtual servers in the event of hardware failures, natural disasters and other causes of system downtime, SMBs will increasingly seek out backup solutions that are cost-effective and simple to install and use, yet comprehensive enough to quickly and seamlessly backup and restore a mix of virtual and traditional environments.

For example, some have historically relied on the outdated process of installing a backup software agent on each virtual server, which can lead to overwhelming I/O loads and long backup times. Others have relied on VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) or a similar two-stage backup/restore process that requires a staging area on disk between the physical server and the final backup target.

In 2014, we're going to increasingly see SMBs adopt more sophisticated solutions, including not only one-step, file-level recovery of virtual data, but also deduplication for reduced costs and shorter backup windows.

Cloud-based Offsite Backup

The hottest area is likely to be cloud-based off site backup, which can ensure that critical data is not lost and can be quickly recovered to maintain business continuity in the event of a disaster that impacts the data center, such as a hurricane or earthquake.

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About the Author

Tim Hannibal founded VaultLogix in 2002, and has more than 20 years of management and sales experience. As the CEO and founder, he funded the startup phase of the organization, arranged additional financing, and guided the company to profitability. He continues to assist VaultLogix prosperousness through industry insight, innovation, and strong leadership.  

Tim has experience with various technology products and services, including telecommunications, internet, data protection and storage. Prior to VaultLogix, he was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Cleartel where he helped to manage and develop the company's growth.  Tim began his career at Worldcom, where he spent nearly a decade driving sales during the company's integration of nine mergers and acquisitions.  

Tim received his bachelors of art from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.