The age of virtualization
Server virtualization has bestowed the telecomm industry with processing capabilities that extend beyond physical hardware. Although virtualization has matured and evolved, some service providers have yet to take full advantage of the trend. In spirit of this fact, here are five advantages of virtualizing a businesses.
Reduced spending
Virtual machines enable service providers to perform network functions on cheap nodes, which were once reserved for expensive proprietary hardware. Virtual machines save businesses money since they require fewer servers and extend the lifespan of existing hardware. Approximately 16 virtual machines can run on a single server. In addition, with virtual machines, network administrators can spend less time managing data centers, which reduces capital expenses (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX).
Better backups
It is much easier to recover a virtual machine than a physical device. Virtual machines are easier to deploy because they can be moved from one server to the next. In addition, new virtual environments can be cloned in seconds in order to adapt to fluctuating business needs. Snapshots can be distributed to multiple points to ensure up-to-date data. Since firing up a snapshot is quicker than booting a conventional server, downtime is significantly slashed. Furthermore, service providers can run mirror virtual machines at a remote site, which serve as backups in the event that a corporate virtual machine fails.
Smoother IT operations
Virtual servers enable staff to do more with less, especially IT departments. Server virtualization allows administrators to be more efficient and agile, providing a simpler way for technicians to set up and update a network. Prior to virtualization, it would take weeks for technicians to install and maintain a chain of network-connected devices on physical hardware. With virtualization, network functions can be installed on virtual machines in weeks instead of months.
Isolation applications
In the land of physical servers, data centers usually abided by a one app per server model to isolate applications. While this was a sufficient way to reduce the number of physical servers, it gave rise to application incompatibilities. With server virtualization, applications on dedicated operations systems can be placed on a virtual server, thereby nipping incompatibility programs in the bud. This also reduces server waste by optimizing physical server resources, and correctly provisions virtual machines with a precise amount of memory and disk access.
Superior businesses continuity
Business continuity refers to a company’s ability to continue to deliver a quality product or service in wake of an unexpected disturbance. Business continuity management (BCM) is understood as a holistic management process that pinpoints and safeguards against potential company threats. Before virtualization, the procurement of physical hardware thwarted employees from meeting recovery time following an incident. Virtualization provided staff with the software, files and communication tools needed to access a single body of data for better business continuity.
Like any budding technology, becoming acquainted with virtual software requires a learning curve, but the benefits are well worth the challenge. Virtualizing a business can save costs, make backup and disaster recovery easier, better utilize company resources and improve business continuity. To learn more about the evolution of network virtualization, see the video below.
