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What are Virtual Computers and how can they help your business make money?

Written by:  Marshall Wright

In the beginning of 2007, DeckerWright Corporation embarked on a plan to “virtualize” all of its production file servers.  With seven file servers including a web server, SQL server, Active Directory domain controller, SQL server and Exchange server, the move to virtual computing would prove challenging.  What is a “virtual machine”, and how can they be used to help streamline information systems for a business?  A virtual machine is a software representation of a physical machine running on top of a layer of software that mimics the physical server’s hardware and presents standardized devices to the virtual machine.  First a few definitions:

Host Computer – The physical computer that houses the virtual machines.

Virtualization Software – Virtual PC or Virtual Server from Microsoft or VMWare Server from VMWare.

Guest Operating System – A virtual machine running on a host computer with virtualization software installed.

What makes virtual machines possible is the surplus of computing power on most servers.  Under normal loads, most servers only use 10% of their CPU power.  By adding memory and disk space, a single server can quickly become home to several virtual servers.   In DeckerWright Corporation’s case, seven physical servers were reduced to two physical servers running 7 virtual machines.

There are many advantages to pursuing virtualization.  One of the obvious benefits is the reduction of energy consumption.  In DeckerWright Corporation’s case eliminating 5 physical servers will reduce its annual energy consumption (without factoring in cooling costs) by over $1,200 per year.

Another significant benefit is in disaster recovery.  Since all virtual machines share the same virtual devices, a virtual machine can easily be moved to a new host computer.  The host computer can be from a completely different manufacturer as long as it is running the same virtualization software.  Simply move the virtual machine files to the new host computer, and the virtual machine will start.  The ability to move, copy and restart the guest operating systems allows for the development of a virtual clone of a customer’s production environment.  The cloned network can be used in a disaster scenario, or for disaster recovery testing.  This ability significantly reduces the cost of being prepared for a disaster.

Other benefits of virtual machines include the ability to test new operating systems and software without having to purchase new hardware.  How many times have new software packages been loaded on servers and client PCs on a network only to have to be painfully removed?  With virtual machines, the software can be installed and tested on the virtual machine.  The virtual machine can be brought back to its operating state before for the software was installed without having to uninstall the software.  This makes virtual machines ideal for testing.

DeckerWright Corporation is a VMWare Professional Partner.  Contact DeckerWright Corporation for a consultation on how virtual computing can help your company’s bottom line. 

Call for virtual machine solutions - 732.747.9373.

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