Getting The Most From Your Servers Through Virtualisation
Server virtualisation is an increasingly common and effective way to maximise the efficiency of your network’s server or servers.
How Virtualisation Works
Traditionally a network might have used one separate dedicated server for each individual application that your business used. While this allowed for each app to run without interference from other apps it would also be a relatively inefficient use of the server’s resources. Applications tend to only need a very small portion of the server’s capacity, with the remainder becoming redundant.
In addition, of course, more servers means more hardware and the use of more space.
The virtualisation process, however, solves these issues by partitioning the resources of one server, essentially turning it into smaller ‘virtual’ servers each with enough capacity to run the various applications.
The process is carried out using special software which divides the physical server into multiple smaller environments, these being the virtual or private servers.
How Virtualisation Works in the Workplace
The technology is commonly used when dealing with Web servers.
Creating virtual Web servers is an increasingly popular way to provide low-cost Web hosting services. This is because you can significantly reduce the amount of computers and equipment required. Rather than needing a separate computer for each Web server, through virtualisation you can create dozens of virtual servers all residing on one computer.
Benefits of Server Virtualization
- Independent Servers – Each virtual server runs its own operating system remaining independent of each other. This means they can be individually rebooted without need to reboot every application on the network.
- Cost Savings – Server virtualization also reduces costs because less hardware is required which can significantly reduce the costs to your business.
- Improvements on Uptime – The ease in which an application can be moved from one virtual server to another means that, if there’s a glitch in the system, you can resolve and be back online quickly.
- Operational Savings – By maximising the capacity of your hardware and utilising them in a more efficient manner you can reduce not only the amount of physical items but also the degree of ongoing maintenance required.
- Environmental Benefits – Reducing the number of physical servers also has positive implications environmentally as you are reducing the amount of energy output in your system. Which has to be good for your budget, and your conscience!
We deliver virtualisation services to SMEs throughout Cardiff, Newport and South Wales. To find out how we might be able to help your business please give us a call or get in touch through our online contact form.