June 2007

Virtualization - Less Really Is More

As defined by Webopedia.com, virtualization means "to create a virtual version of a device or resource, such as a server, storage device, network or even an operating system where the framework divides the resource into one or more execution environments."

Virtualization benefits to date include server consolidation (and the associated space and cooling costs), simplified disaster recovery, safe testing and training environments and adding more processing power to a server during peak times, to name just a few.  Virtualization has yet to hit its stride, and we look forward to seeing many more benefits as it matures.

Our authors introduce virtualization, share how it was initiated in their firms and look at a number of consolidation options.  Many thanks go to them for their expertise.