Essentially, virtualization is a piece of technology that uses software to create an abstraction layer over physical hardware, and in doing so it creates a virtual machine which ultimately allows multiple applications and operating systems to run on a single physical server. The question is, does it truly offer more for less?
1. Reduced IT costs & expenses
The traditional on-prem server is an industry standard for a good reason, thanks to its overall functionality and capabilities which include its large storing and processing power. However, it can be rather inefficient when organisations are not utilising applications on the server, which result in the computer being idle. Virtualizing an environment allows an organisation to transform a single physical machine into many virtual machines. This allows different operating systems and applications to be run alternately, which would have required multiple servers traditionally. Simply put, the same workflow with lesser servers means better cost savings.
2. Increase efficiency and productivity
Lesser servers mean lesser time spent by the IT team on maintaining the physical hardware and IT infrastructure in the company. Having a virtualized server means the IT team is able to install, update and maintain the environment across all VMs in the virtual environment. This means no longer going through the laborious and tedious process of applying updates server by server. Lesser time spent on maintaining the environment means an increase in your team’s efficiency and productivity.
3. Independence control and DevOps
Segmenting the virtualized environment into virtual machines means developers can spin up a virtual machine without impacting an existing production environment, thanks to the efficiency of cloning a virtual machine.
This gives organisations another added layer of flexibility when working with new updates or experimental features as cloning a virtual machine allows room for any possible issues or externalities. This in turn, increases the agility and speed of an application. To mention an excellent example, Microsoft Azure VM is one of the leaders in the world for virtual machines, and has the added advantage of seamless integration with other Microsoft industry standard software. The seamless integration means better workflows and an increase in productivity. Find out more about Azure on the Netmarks Singapore website.