One Into Many: The Benefits of Server Virtualization
Server Virtualization Is Nothing New
There always seems to be a better way to do things. What may have been a perfectly viable solution years ago is now outdated as new technologies and strategies supercede old ways. Server virtualization is one such technology.
Servers are powerful computers, but they’re expensive to purchase and maintain. In the past, when a business needed to run a dedicated program such as accounting or inventory software, a single server would be dedicated to the purpose. But the program would only use a fraction of the computing ability of the server, which means an expensive resource was being underused. In the business world, cost is the mother of invention, and as server technology improved, it was only a matter of time before ways were found to make these machines do more. Server virtualization partitions one physical server into multiple virtual machines, each with its own operating system capable of running powerful applications simultaneously.
These days, server virtualization is no longer such an advanced concept and is more of a standard operating procedure, even for small and medium businesses (SMBs). This is due to all the advantages it brings with very little cost.
Save Money With Fewer Machines
Fewer machines mean a smaller data center and a reduced need to devote resources to them. This obviously means less to purchase initially, but it’s also less machinery to maintain, house, and purchase expensive software licenses for. A smaller data center footprint means your entire system is easier, and cheaper, to cool and maintain.
Improve Your Ability to Recover From Disasters
Business continuity is an important element to all businesses today. One incident of data loss can be catastrophic for a small business. In fact, many do not recover from it. Server virtualization allows data and software to be backed up to multiple machines, making it easier to recover from data loss or even rebuild systems in a different location. Older machines can even be used as recovery systems to add an extra element of protection from loss.
Manage Your Technology More Easily
By consolidating applications into fewer machines, you can fine-tune your IT environment, add new servers, and carry out maintenance with only a few clicks. Also, virtual machines are a line of defense against downtime. Hardware failure is one of the most common causes of disruption to your business operations.
Does My Business Need Server Virtualization?
Most likely the answer is yes. The experts at SBT Partners can do a thorough assessment of your existing IT environment and pinpoint exactly where consolidated servers would do the most good. This solution can be combined with one of many cloud computing options for added benefit and reduced costs.
If you’re starting a new business, our services are perfect to get things off to a great start. SBT can have the perfect IT solution in place before you open for business. And our IT Utility Bill pricing options mean our services are simple to budget and incorporate into your business plans. We are the one fixed cost you can count on in a galaxy of variable expenses.
Give us a call today and we can discuss your IT situation, your pain points, and receive clear guidance about all your IT options. SBT Partners is the technology colleague you need to streamline your processes, lower your costs, and guide your business toward its goals.
