Server virtualization has been with us in the computing world for about ten years. During this period, many small companies actively adopted this technology in order to fully exploit the value of the server and improve storage efficiency. In some cases, the benefits of server virtualization for small business owners are obvious. But for other SMEs, virtualization technology may not be recommended. According to a recent CDW survey, 25% of small companies use server virtualization. Companies using server virtualization technology virtualized 33% of servers on average. Of the companies that have not yet taken the road to virtualization, 73% said they are investigating or planning to implement the technology.
But is server virtualization the right technology to deploy?
1. When not to use server virtualization technology
Some small companies have no fixed IT staff in their workforce or, even with IT staff, the person has to handle many daily tasks such as ensuring security, managing desktop systems, and maintaining servers. These people are often unable to cope with the technical complexity of virtualization.
Therefore, if you do not have enough small company IT resources, do not want to send people internally, or do not have budget outsourcing, it is best not to use virtualization. The thorny problems it brings will be more than answering difficult questions.
Bill Roth, Nexenta’s vice president of marketing, said: “Most of the SMBs with fewer than 100 employees don’t even think about virtualization. The only reason is that they don’t have the right technical resources. Some core issues (such as just having a unified email system) are often It takes up the IT time of a small company."
2. If IT is part of the company’s core competencies, use virtualization
However, for many smaller companies, technology is a core competence. They stand at the forefront of technology and bring value to their respective fields. They usually have a large number of servers, require redundant storage systems, and there are many highly skilled IT staff in the workforce. In such companies, virtualization is bound to add value.
Roth said: "If you have the appropriate technical skills, then the use of virtualization in the core infrastructure is the only choice. Virtualization is widely used in these companies, in order to reduce the capital expenditure related to technology development."
3. Is it a busy server or a less busy server?
Greg Schulz, an analyst at market research firm StorageIO Group, said that if you currently have several servers occupying the floor, rack or rack space, they are not very busy and are dedicated to running certain applications, then they may be suitable for virtualization technology. If the server of a small company has the following features, it is very suitable for virtualization technology:
They occupy floor, rack, or cabinet space
They are designed to run certain applications
They are not very busy
If your server equipment ages, and virtualization is combined to upgrade to newer modern servers, you're expected to significantly consolidate servers. For example, you can dramatically reduce the number of servers, reduce power and cooling expenses, and free up lots of floor space.
Schulz said: "Keep in mind that server virtualization can reduce the number of physical servers required."
4. Sensitive application
It is worth mentioning that not all applications can run smoothly in a virtual environment. Some critical or sensitive applications require a lot of processor or memory resources, and you don't want them to share these resources with other virtual servers. An example is a stand-alone server that is designed to ensure security.
Schulz said: "I often hear that applications like databases or other performance-oriented applications cannot be virtualized."
First find out what your application needs for performance and then virtualize it. In addition, it must be tested in advance.
5. Shared storage, yes; virtual storage, maybe not
This time, the outside world has been very hyped with storage virtualization. However, not all small companies have to have storage virtualization. However, for some small companies, it is important for users to share centralized storage resources. This may mean having a storage server or other type of storage system accessed through the network. But it doesn't have to be virtual storage.
Schulz said: "Some people will tell you that virtual servers must be equipped with virtual storage resources; such arguments usually come from manufacturers or supporters of their own business and virtual storage."
Schulz added: "I will focus more on finding storage solutions that meet your primary goals. These goals relate to performance, availability, data protection, capacity, energy and cost, and other necessary features, and are within budget."
6. Deployment speed
Some companies need to be able to quickly configure the server. In some cases, the inability to quickly configure is a clear competitive disadvantage. If your company is the case, then virtualization is essential. Applying for physical servers, connecting servers on the ground, installing applications, etc., this process takes several days even if it does not take a few weeks. But once the virtual framework is in place, this process can be completed immediately.
Chris Giroux, CDW's virtualization technology expert, said: "In a virtualized environment, you can dynamically allocate resources as needed, so that you can configure a server in just a few minutes."
7. Some trial run on server virtualization
Before making a major decision to fully adopt virtualization, it is wise to try virtualization in a small area. Roth suggests that buying a cheaper tool like VMware Workstation (about $199) is a good way for IT staff to understand virtualization. This also lays a good foundation for a simple virtual infrastructure.
Roth said: "VMwareWorkstation is an easy way to try out virtualization and see value early. It can be used for free for 30 days, and it can immediately reflect its value."
8. Self-study virtualization knowledge
Don't be afraid to make up for virtualization before implementing it. "Virtualized Dummies" is a good start. It outlines virtualization and what it can do. Understanding this knowledge can help you decide whether or not to go bold.
9. Don't listen to the hype of server virtualization
One of the worse reasons for deploying virtualization is that you are completely exposed to this hype and virtualized purely for virtualization. In the 1990s, such a scene appeared. At that time, most small companies felt it necessary to go online. Then there have been many companies investing heavily in the construction of websites, and these sites are of limited value. Back then, some companies did indeed need to go online, but many companies could have waited a year or two before surfing the Internet.
Nowadays, the hype is so fierce in virtualization that some companies can easily participate without thinking. Don't do this!
Schulz said: "The obvious sign that you don't need virtualization is that you are deploying purely for a new approach, technology or tool. Take a step back and ask yourself if you really need to virtualize the server. To this end, we must evaluate what kind of losses, benefits, and risks do not have to be virtualized."
10. Ask a reliable vendor for help
Although server virtualization can be complex, the good news is that vendors are making it much easier to deploy virtualized servers. The solution suite includes servers, storage systems, and pre-installed servers so that everything is ready for use.
Schulz said: "Some of these solutions are aimed at smaller companies and can help with acquisition, installation, and day-to-day support very quickly and easily, especially if you don't have a dedicated technical staff in charge of the technology, or if you are more concerned about running and supporting. Business, not dedicated to research projects."
But is server virtualization the right technology to deploy?
1. When not to use server virtualization technology
Some small companies have no fixed IT staff in their workforce or, even with IT staff, the person has to handle many daily tasks such as ensuring security, managing desktop systems, and maintaining servers. These people are often unable to cope with the technical complexity of virtualization.
Therefore, if you do not have enough small company IT resources, do not want to send people internally, or do not have budget outsourcing, it is best not to use virtualization. The thorny problems it brings will be more than answering difficult questions.
Bill Roth, Nexenta’s vice president of marketing, said: “Most of the SMBs with fewer than 100 employees don’t even think about virtualization. The only reason is that they don’t have the right technical resources. Some core issues (such as just having a unified email system) are often It takes up the IT time of a small company."
2. If IT is part of the company’s core competencies, use virtualization
However, for many smaller companies, technology is a core competence. They stand at the forefront of technology and bring value to their respective fields. They usually have a large number of servers, require redundant storage systems, and there are many highly skilled IT staff in the workforce. In such companies, virtualization is bound to add value.
Roth said: "If you have the appropriate technical skills, then the use of virtualization in the core infrastructure is the only choice. Virtualization is widely used in these companies, in order to reduce the capital expenditure related to technology development."
3. Is it a busy server or a less busy server?
Greg Schulz, an analyst at market research firm StorageIO Group, said that if you currently have several servers occupying the floor, rack or rack space, they are not very busy and are dedicated to running certain applications, then they may be suitable for virtualization technology. If the server of a small company has the following features, it is very suitable for virtualization technology:
They occupy floor, rack, or cabinet space
They are designed to run certain applications
They are not very busy
If your server equipment ages, and virtualization is combined to upgrade to newer modern servers, you're expected to significantly consolidate servers. For example, you can dramatically reduce the number of servers, reduce power and cooling expenses, and free up lots of floor space.
Schulz said: "Keep in mind that server virtualization can reduce the number of physical servers required."
4. Sensitive application
It is worth mentioning that not all applications can run smoothly in a virtual environment. Some critical or sensitive applications require a lot of processor or memory resources, and you don't want them to share these resources with other virtual servers. An example is a stand-alone server that is designed to ensure security.
Schulz said: "I often hear that applications like databases or other performance-oriented applications cannot be virtualized."
First find out what your application needs for performance and then virtualize it. In addition, it must be tested in advance.
5. Shared storage, yes; virtual storage, maybe not
This time, the outside world has been very hyped with storage virtualization. However, not all small companies have to have storage virtualization. However, for some small companies, it is important for users to share centralized storage resources. This may mean having a storage server or other type of storage system accessed through the network. But it doesn't have to be virtual storage.
Schulz said: "Some people will tell you that virtual servers must be equipped with virtual storage resources; such arguments usually come from manufacturers or supporters of their own business and virtual storage."
Schulz added: "I will focus more on finding storage solutions that meet your primary goals. These goals relate to performance, availability, data protection, capacity, energy and cost, and other necessary features, and are within budget."
6. Deployment speed
Some companies need to be able to quickly configure the server. In some cases, the inability to quickly configure is a clear competitive disadvantage. If your company is the case, then virtualization is essential. Applying for physical servers, connecting servers on the ground, installing applications, etc., this process takes several days even if it does not take a few weeks. But once the virtual framework is in place, this process can be completed immediately.
Chris Giroux, CDW's virtualization technology expert, said: "In a virtualized environment, you can dynamically allocate resources as needed, so that you can configure a server in just a few minutes."
7. Some trial run on server virtualization
Before making a major decision to fully adopt virtualization, it is wise to try virtualization in a small area. Roth suggests that buying a cheaper tool like VMware Workstation (about $199) is a good way for IT staff to understand virtualization. This also lays a good foundation for a simple virtual infrastructure.
Roth said: "VMwareWorkstation is an easy way to try out virtualization and see value early. It can be used for free for 30 days, and it can immediately reflect its value."
8. Self-study virtualization knowledge
Don't be afraid to make up for virtualization before implementing it. "Virtualized Dummies" is a good start. It outlines virtualization and what it can do. Understanding this knowledge can help you decide whether or not to go bold.
9. Don't listen to the hype of server virtualization
One of the worse reasons for deploying virtualization is that you are completely exposed to this hype and virtualized purely for virtualization. In the 1990s, such a scene appeared. At that time, most small companies felt it necessary to go online. Then there have been many companies investing heavily in the construction of websites, and these sites are of limited value. Back then, some companies did indeed need to go online, but many companies could have waited a year or two before surfing the Internet.
Nowadays, the hype is so fierce in virtualization that some companies can easily participate without thinking. Don't do this!
Schulz said: "The obvious sign that you don't need virtualization is that you are deploying purely for a new approach, technology or tool. Take a step back and ask yourself if you really need to virtualize the server. To this end, we must evaluate what kind of losses, benefits, and risks do not have to be virtualized."
10. Ask a reliable vendor for help
Although server virtualization can be complex, the good news is that vendors are making it much easier to deploy virtualized servers. The solution suite includes servers, storage systems, and pre-installed servers so that everything is ready for use.
Schulz said: "Some of these solutions are aimed at smaller companies and can help with acquisition, installation, and day-to-day support very quickly and easily, especially if you don't have a dedicated technical staff in charge of the technology, or if you are more concerned about running and supporting. Business, not dedicated to research projects."
Modular Wall Switch And Socket
Modular Wall Switch And Socket,Modular Light Switch,Modular Hue Wall Switch,Modular Smart Wall Switch
ZHEJIANG HUAYAN ELECTRIC CO.,LTD , https://www.huayanelectric.com