On Virtual Servers

One brand-spanking new technology in IT is Virtualization. This is the concept of creating virtual computers within a program on a host computer. These virtual computers can run operating systems independently of the host computer. This is useful to host multple servers that normally utilize only some of the physical processing power. For example, if you have 2 physical servers utilizing their hardware at only 15-50% most of the time, move to a virtual environment and one server can be fully utilized - the other turned off to save power. You can also:

• Install Windows 2000 Advanced Server to support legacy software - run the old reliable software for as long as you like without worrying about the hardware it's on anymore
• Seperate servers that run intricate software such as Microsoft Exchange and Blackberry Enterprise Server. These programs run ideally without the other installed - so accomplish this with two virtual servers on one physical host
• Experience painless upgrades when upgrading hardware. When you need to upgrade your physical server, you won't need to reinstall and re-configure all your applications servers again. Because a virtual machine is contained within one file, this file can be moved to any computer running the virutalization software.  This makes upgrades and moving servers a much simpler task.
• Have a backup copy of your server and its installed applications within one virtual machine file - it can be turned on and contain everything you need to get working again, in case of a crash. Backup strategies even include keeping a copy of the virtual machine in a different location that could be readied and turned on in case of an emergency
• Easily backup and restore your data

Virtualizing your IT environment gives your infrastructure reliability and portability. In most cases, a virtual machine is saved as one file on the host computer. Therefore, when you want to backup an instance of the server you only need to shut down the virtual machine, and copy the few files associated with it. They will be large, but will contain the entire machine, operating system, installed applications and data.  Server moves are easier because the virtual machines can be moved seperate of the move of the physical servers. These files can also be moved off-site or to a data-center for backup, setting up network load-balancing, or redundancy purposes.

Virtual computer hardware is static, and emulated by the host computer running the virtualization software. Like a regular computer if you want to change the hardware; such as add more RAM or replace the CD-ROM you need to turn it off. If you need to install an operating system give your DVD drive to the virtual machine, and put in the DVD. You can even use a full-screen mode and emulate operating systems environment for the user; install Windows on Linux and vice versa.