Virtualisation, the ability to run multiple operating systems on a single physical host, has been around for decades but its only in the last couple of years that it's begun to have such mainstream appeal. Virtualisation gives users so much more flexibility and opportunities to reduce overheads. This is because it ensures you are:
- less dependant on hardware (you no longer need a computer room full of servers, racks and switches),
- making the servers you do have work that much harder for you by forcing utilisation levels higher.
- reducing the need for power or cooling so your energy consumption and overall running costs are much lower.
Virtual environments are typically built on a core ‘hypervisor’ application. There are several different flavours from leading vendors including:
The hypervisor software resides as a layer between the physical host (such as an IBM or Dell server for example) and an operating system. Effectively it allows multiple ‘guests’ operating systems to access the same physical host at any one time. The Hypervisor application is designed to manage the physical host environment to ensure the guests are given direct access to the appropriate resources and utilisation levels are maintained at the most efficient rates.
Comunet, an authorised VMWare Enterprise Solution Provider, is very experienced in the virtualisation field and can provide a range of services to assist you with your virtualisation design and deployment needs. Comunet engineers are certified in the latest VMWare technology and can, as needed, advise you on the most practical approach to Virtualising your servers, help support you with regular on-going maintenance and to ensure your new server environment is robust and secure.
If you are looking to initiate a virtualised environment or extend your existing virtualised environment, and would like help or advise on the most practical steps to take, why not give us a call on 08 8100 1111 we will be happy to assist.