About virtualization

Virtualization is a technology that enables users to run multiple operating systems concurrently on a single physical server, where each of the operating systems runs in its own virtual computer, called a virtual machine or VM. Each VM has its own virtual CPU, virtual memory, virtual hard disks, and so on, and an operating system and applications are installed on the virtual machines, just as if they were actual physical machines. The operating system and applications are not aware that they are running in a virtual machine and will function just as if they were on a physical piece of hardware.

Server virtualization software enables multiple virtual machines to run on the same physical machine.

 

Virtualization offers several key benefits, including:

• Reduced Hardware Costs – Making efficient use of hardware resources means fewer hardware purchases. Additionally, maintenance and management overhead is reduced.
• Eco-friendly Data Environment – Fewer physical machines results in a smaller foot print and decreased power and cooling requirements in the data center.
• Faster Deployment – Fewer physical machines to configure and connect to the network means servers can be put online more quickly.
• Bare Metal Recovery – Virtual machines can be backed up and copied to other physical machines. If a physical machine fails, the VMs can be quickly up and running on another physical machine, often without interruption to the end user.
• Pre-deployment Testing – Enables the creation of "sand box" VMs where new software can be tested without disrupting the existing virtual machines already in production.

 

Why virtualize your server estate

With the speed and power of today’s hardware it is no longer necessary to have separate, dedicated servers for each and every application. Industry analysts estimate that servers that are running a single application are utilizing as little as 10% of each server’s resources. Redundant server hardware can quickly fill data centers to capacity, and with each new purchase the costs increase just as quickly – from power and cooling and eventually to the bottom line. Replacing physical servers with virtual servers increases reliability, simplicity and speed while keeping expenditures under control.

A typical configuration utilizing multiple servers running a dedicated application.

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Challenges of Virtualization

Increased VM density means each physical machine is more critical; the paradox of virtualization is that as it removes hardware dependencies, hardware becomes more important! Although any one virtual machine is freed from being tied to a physical server, a collection of VMs relies even more heavily on hardware. So, with many fewer physical servers now supporting larger and larger virtual machine estates each physical server needs to be better managed and more reliable than ever before.

The need for reliable hardware that can maintain continuous uptime 24/7 is even more important in a virtual infrastructure. If you are planning to use virtualization to implement business continuity or disaster recovery, ensuring you have the most reliable solution is essential.

At the Virtual Machine Company, we believe the correct approach is a blend of support, service, the finest components, hardware & software acceleration, hypervisor tuning makes the managed appliance the best tool for the job.