Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a server or computer system using software rather than hardware. It enables multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single machine.
Use of ‘advanced virtualization’ technologies along with increasingly sophisticated systems management tools that manage both guest environments and the virtualization engines can extend the benefits further. A penetration of more than 25% of the servers virtualized, along with storage virtualization and the use of management tools can deliver a total reduction of costs up to 52% per user in a year. Rethinking virtualization in business terms helps organizations to realize the full potential of technology and gain better business outcomes. We know, virtualization enables pooling and sharing of IT resources – including servers, storage and networking – which can be allocated dynamically across applications and processes. Perhaps it’s time now to look at how much more can be gained by approaching virtualization in a more comprehensive business-focused manner and implement it in terms of best practices.