Virtualization is the process of using one physical server to operate two or more isolated, virtual servers.
Virtualization capability has been available for years with mainframe servers, but its availability in smaller scale hardware is relatively recent.
Today, a business can use used HP Proliant servers (e.
g.
used HP UX servers) to virtualize multiple servers.
In doing so, they experience the following benefits, among others: Energy Savings.
Unlike physical hardware, virtual hardware does not require energy for internal and external apparatuses such as fans and keyboards.
If you virtualize multiple units, you could significantly reduce the amount of power that the IT system consumes annually.
Whether you pursue it for the sake of energy efficiency or to reduce utility bills, virtualization can deliver big energy savings.
More workspace.
Using one server to house the computing power of several others can significantly increase workspace.
Virtualizing tower models increases space at each workstation, and virtualizing rack-mounted models can increase space in the Data center by allowing companies to use a smaller server enclosure.
For large companies, virtualization can clear up thousands of square feet of extra workspace.
Liquidate old hardware.
Once you virtualize several used HP UX servers, you can sell the used HP Proliant servers that you no longer need.
Under-utilized hardware is a common result of virtualization.
Liquidating the hardware through asset disposition, or selling it for the valuable metals that are used in its components is a viable way to create capital for future IT investments.
Improved data retention.
Virtualization makes it easier to preserve and migrate data.
If the unit that houses the virtualized servers fails, the data on the inoperable unit can be migrated onto a new one.
For this reason, virtualization has value as a disaster recovery strategy.
It also makes it easier to migrate data onto new hardware under normal conditions.
Reduced maintenance costs.
The more pieces of hardware a company has, the more it spends on hardware maintenance.
Consolidating servers through virtualization is a viable way to reduce IT maintenance costs.
Companies that virtualize a large number of servers may have the opportunity to reduce payroll by reducing the number of IT technicians they employ.
Reduced Vendor Lock-in.
Using rack-mounted models and blade models can make a company locked in to buying hardware from a particular manufacturer.
Depending on price of the equipment and its maintenance needs, this arrangement can become financially burdensome.
Virtualization gives companies more financial flexibility by reducing vendor lock-in.
Conclusion Virtualization is an important IT trend that presents several benefits.
When companies virtualize several pieces of hardware using a single used HP Proliant server, they increase energy savings, create more workspace, improve data retention, reduce vendor lock-in, and have to opportunity to liquidate used HP UX servers that they no longer need.
In combination, these benefits may result in saving thousands dollars annually, if not more.
If your company is interested in virtualizing some of its servers, contacting a provider of IT virtualization solutions is the first step.