What is Virtualization?

Virtualization is not a new concept in computing.  It has been around since the days of the original IBM mainframe computers.  (We should know as our company was founded in 1976 as an IBM Midrange Partner and still has a vibrant consulting practice.)   The concept is simple. How do I get a single computer or server to do more?  The typical desktop PC is idle for long periods during the day, however your PC is still running near full speed waiting for you to click, type, or browse.  Servers are also usually significantly overpowered for their typical use.  Even a busy corporate email server is only “busy” 20% of the time.

Virtualization makes use of the “idle” time of PCs and servers to perform other important tasks.  When deployed the actual number of servers and PCs needed will be reduced, most times substantially.  Less servers and PCs translates into a significant costs savings in hardware, and administrative time.

Server Virtualization

Server virtualization is a proven technology that allows a single dedicated server to perform multiple functions in your business.  One physical server could be a deployed with multiple completely isolated virtual servers simultaneously performing roles such as a file server, database server, spam filter, and e-mail server.

Attempting to use a single server in this fashion without server virtualization, or prior to the technology maturing would not have been possible or at the least would have come with tremendous trade-offs.  As virtualization technology matured for use in mainstream deployments, hardware improvements in fault tolerance now allow companies to deploy mission critical applications in a virtualized environment without risk of downtime.  Migrating virtual servers to a second server in a remote location can occur almost instantaneously in a failover fashion if the server cannot be offline.

Desktops Virtualization

Desktop virtualization, like server virtualization, is not new.  The solutions available today are much improved over the solutions offered just a few years ago.  Deploying virtual desktops – operating systems and core applications - eliminates the costs associated with PC replacement, including the hardware purchase and time to provision the new PC for use.  Cost savings continue over time as field visits for support, maintenance, and upgrades are eliminated.  These tasks can be performed remotely and applied to multiple virtual desktops simultaneously.

Virtual desktops provide strategic benefits beyond cost savings:

• Compliance and Data security – PCs running virtual desktops contain no data so information remains secure in the corporate data center or server room even when hardware is lost or stolen.
• Remote access – Users can access their desktop from any device in or outside the office.  They securely can sign into via their home computer or a public PC in a hotel lobby.
• Growth – New desktops are available instantly for new employees or partners anywhere in the world.

Storage Virtualization

Virtual storage allows for the optimization of disks resources and the flexibility to deploy and manage capacity when and where it is needed.  Storage area networks (SAN), storage arrays, or inexpensive commodity disks can be consolidated and dynamically managed as virtual storage pools with minimal limitations for how they are physically configured.

With storage virtualization, it is possible to:

• Reach utilization rates of up to 80% or more.
• Reduce provisioning times for new servers from days to virtually minutes.
• Accelerate response time for change requests.
• Eliminate disruptions and down time during upgrades and hardware maintenance.