What is Server Virtualisation?

Server virtualisation is a broad term that describes a host of technologies that enable one computer, or server to run multiple operating systems at once. This means that you get the most out of your investment in a computer, because the one piece of machinery can run the complete range of independent operating systems to cover everything you may need from your computer. This means that one actual server, can do the work of many through different operating systems, which saves you hassle, money and calls to IT support when a server goes on the blink, because you’ll have one rather than multiple servers. While server virtualisation is not the wisest move for software that requires considerable memory and RAM to run, several smaller applications can work very well on a virtualised server.

Why would you invest in server virtualisation?
Server virtualisation saves money: You don’t need to buy multiple servers and you won’t need to power multiple servers. Server virtualisation enables you to fully utilise your computers, and running multiple servers on the one machines means you avoid the common issue of cluttering hardware running different systems, and the cost of maintaining and cooling multiple computers is considerable, and unnecessary.

Server virtualisation saves time: By minimising the number of computers you need to maintain, install upgrades on, insure, claim back on tax and all the other administration time-eaters, you can instantly save considerable amounts of time that you would have spent maintaining your computer servers, to actually benefiting from the operational systems you are running on them.

Your business is better equipped: You can respond better to new technological developments and business needs faster, you can decrease the numbers of variable factors in your IT utilisation, and you can reboot multiple operating systems at on time as they’re only on one computer.

How do is it work?
Without going too far into technical explanations, the actual server (a computer) runs a hypervisor. The hypervisor’s function is to maintain the multiple guest programs/operating systems, portioning out the physical server’s resources out to the guest programs, which will often be unaware of the other operating systems hosted by the hypervisor, on the physical computer.

Reasons why people resist server virtualisation: Despite the mammoth benefits of server virtualisation, some business owners are hesitant to take the initial technical steps to get maximum usage out of their technical infrastructure. This is largely due to a lack of technical understanding and the resistance to considerable change that will be overseen by an IT guy rather then their team.

One of the other concerns with virtualisation is the challenge of configuring the virtual LAN, but this can be overcome by an expert computer support who is committed to clear communication with their clients.

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