Hardware virtualization is the practice of turning an IT resource such as a server, a network device, or a storage unit into a software or virtual version of itself. Multiple instances of virtualized hardware can run on a single machine so that many users can use it at the same time, increasing the efficiency of your IT resources.
There was a time when virtualization technology was reserved for huge companies with vast data centers that people would point at and say ‘that’s where the internet lives.’ Roll on to 2018, and the corporate technology landscape is radically different: mobile technology is ubiquitous, blazing broadband speeds enable an ever-wider range of cloud-based services, and virtualization is far more accessible than it used to be.
While it still evokes notions of dizzyingly complex technologies, virtualization can now save smaller businesses a great deal of money while also enabling scalability and agility on a level that simply wasn’t possible before. At least, that’s the potential for companies that go about it the right way. Let’s look at the key processes involved in a successful virtualization project:
Determine what should and shouldn’t be virtualized
Running software-defined computing environments such as storage networks or even virtual desktops is a great way to get more out of your hardware investments. Despite this benefit, not everything should be virtualized. Determining which systems and processes to include is a critical first step in the planning stage, and these vary widely from one business to the next.
Some systems are simply not designed to run in virtualized environments, which is especially the case with legacy systems or those with highly specialized processes. Because virtualization effectively serves as a ‘middleman’ between the underlying hardware and the end-user software, anything that requires extreme performance is also not a good fit for virtualization. Other unsuitable systems and processes include software licenses that don’t permit virtualization or those that use peripheral hardware.
Acquire end-user buy-in
A lot of virtualization providers love to claim that anything can be virtualized, and that on-site hardware is obsolete. Succumbing to such claims will invariably lead to disaster, and your end users will be the first to suffer as they struggle to use their new, remotely-hosted desktops and other services. End-user adoption is an important consideration. If your employees reject the new technology, morale and productivity will take a hit, and you will never see any return on your investment.
Maximize your return on investment
If you’ve got an office full of high-performing computers that are only a few years old, then the last thing you want to do is replace them all with virtual machines. That’s a bad way to invest your money since it will take you much longer to achieve an acceptable ROI. If, however, your workforce is expanding, and you’re taking on a lot of employees who are accustomed to working from home or on the move, then upgrading your in-house assets with virtualized ones is quite a different matter.
Cloud-hosted virtualized systems are delivered as a service. In other words, they’re an operational expense rather than a capital one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they work out cheaper. What you need to do before making any commitment is to determine the total cost of ownership over at least two years. Generally though, operational expenses are preferable, since they’re more predictable and are spread out over extended periods.
Easily the best way to create a successful virtualization strategy is to partner with an MSP you can depend on. Not only does this allow you to consolidate your IT needs under a single operational expense, it also presents the opportunity to tap into the best technology and the industry-leading expertise you need to thrive. Call Arnet Technologies now to find out how.
