Server Virtualisation
Server virtualisation is a proven technology that enables multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server.
Server virtualisation services will result in improved resource utilisation as well as reductions in real estate, power and cooling requirements. In addition to energy-saving and lower capital expenses, virtualisation provides high availability of resources, increased security, and improved disaster recovery processes.
Each virtual machine is completely isolated from other virtual machines and is decoupled from the underlying host by a thin layer of software known as a hypervisor. This allows each virtual machine to run different operating systems and applications. Because the machines have been decoupled from the underlying host, the guest can also be moved from one physical server host to another while running; this is known as live migration. These attributes are transforming how organizations approach virtual computing.
Server Virtualisation
It is possible to use server virtualisation for desktop functionality in one of two ways:
1) Locally virtualised desktops can operate a separate OS environment on individual desktops so, in effect, there are multiple desktops running on one individual client; A number of desktops which can be operated centrally from servers for individual users (often referred to as a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). These can be standardised to ease administration as well as reduce costs.
2) Using a VDI, the cost of managing applications can be reduced significantly. Instead of updating each application on each individual desktop, for example, only the single shared copy on the server needs to be changed. Using simpler desktop operating system images or specialised desktop devices (thin clients) can also reduce management costs further. In addition, licensing models become much more cost-effective through the use of concurrent licensing
Server Virtualisation = Green IT
Running fewer physical machines means that virtualisation reduces an organisation’s costs not only in terms of capital expenditure but also on-going maintenance costs. With green IT becoming increasingly high-profile, virtualising your environment reduces energy costs and lowers your organisation’s carbon footprint. The ability to reduce what historically would take racks and racks of space, valuable real estate and power consumption is a key driver for virtualisation benefitting all organisations. Also, as virtualised platforms are scalable, the capabilities of your IT infrastructure are able to grow in line with your business objectives with more ease.
Virtualised Platform
A virtualised platform is highly scalable, meaning that adding additional virtual servers as your company grows does not incur the same project, labour or capital costs as adding additional physical servers. In addition, organisations that deploy a virtualised environment will also reduce their energy consumption (and thereby reduce their carbon footprint) and improve the effectiveness of their disaster recovery plan.
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Consolidation – Utilise less space, less power, less hardware to operate the same or larger application environment
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Cost control – Reduce capital costs and management costs through less hardware and reduced infrastructure administration
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Efficiency – Deliver applications in a highly efficient and scalable way
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Resilience – Leverage inherent benefits of virtualisation including high availability and business continuity
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Green IT – Improve energy efficiency and reduce your carbon footprint
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Scalability – A virtualised infrastructure that can grow as your business does
