Small Business Technology Solutions
If you are a small to medium sized business owner or if you’re thinking of starting one, you will sooner or later come across the term virtualization. What is virtualization? It is where you take an existing computer (or you can opt for one which has been optimized for this purpose) and install hardware that will “trick” your computer into thinking it’s actually two (or more!) computers. This process will optimize a smaller to medium sized business by giving one server the ability to behave as two or more servers, complete with the ability to run completely different operating systems simultaneously. It utilizes the full capabilities of one physical machine to act as two or more machines. This would also enable your business to effectively handle the need for 2 or more dedicated servers, such as one for the web-based services and applications you use, and one for email, with just one physical server or computer. Virtualization has revolutionized IT technology, as well as given birth to what is now commonly referred to as “the cloud” and using cloud computing or cloud based services. This technology has opened up a whole new option for small to medium sized businesses, with hosted cloud based services they can use, paying on an as-needed basis and therefore saving them money, time, energy costs, space and extra staff.
On-Site Server VS. Hosted Server
Now you’re probably wondering whether an actual physical server is even necessary, or not? The simple answer is – well, not simple. Every business is different, with different needs and objectives as well as different growth expectations and capabilities. Large corporations or businesses which use multiple servers and have a big volume of business and data storage needs will still utilize their own servers. However, most other businesses can greatly benefit from either solution, whether it be virtualization or cloud based. A good IT company, such as Blue Oak Technology Solutions, can evaluate your system and tell you what the best way to optimize or upgrade it is. There are some great arguments for having a physical server, especially for those businesses who deal with a lot of sensitive information or do not have stable internet access at their location, but most of these arguments for others are easily refuted. For example, the costs of keeping even one physical machine at a business location (let alone multiple servers) is quite high and uses a ridiculous amount of energy. Also, you take a big risk of something happening to it, from the power going off to theft or a fire, etc. Insurance is not really worth it since you’d be losing your business data, which in reality, is irreplaceable. You’ll also need special IT staff to maintain it as well as specialized technicians to service it. Your business depends on it running smoothly, so this equipment is highly important and costly. A hosted server or cloud based solution makes a lot more sense to a small to medium sized business. It saves most of these companies plenty of money, headaches and worries, and many times even employees. Plus, opting for a hosted server typically comes with built-in safeguards for your precious business data as well as the technical support you need, when you need it.
Three Main Types
Virtualization can be separated into three main types. First, there’s what’s called presentation virtualization. This is an application method where desktops and applications are delivered from a shared server, enabling you access to client applications from a central server. A web portal then initiates a presentation session, giving access to a virtualized application instance on a shared Windows operating system server. The client can then utilize the graphic interface along with the keyboard and mouse, but no other information is shared with them. The benefit of presentation virtualization is mainly in its simplicity and reduced user resource usage. The next type is called VDI, or virtual desktop infrastructure. Although similar to presentation virtualization, VDI is a remote display protocol that hosts centrally managed virtual machines (VMs) which clients are connected to with a one-on-one network relationship. This can also be called desktop virtualization, and operates by using what’s called a “hypervisor” to host each dedicated operating system (virtual machine) for each individual client, allowing flexibility, security and management. It offers savings on smaller licensing requirements and staff to manage and troubleshoot it, not to mention the extra headache. Allows for secure mobile access to applications by using hardware based GPU sharing through a secure connection using any device, as well as customizable settings and permissions. At the end of the day, the desktop can easily be wiped clean from all downloaded software customizations. The third type is called application virtualization. This method enables applications to run in a foreign environment, such as Linux applications in a Windows operating system environment. It establishes a common software baseline across multiple machines in an organization, reducing system integration and administration costs. Enables simplified operating system migrations to allow applications to become portable and removable media which can be shared between computers without the need for installation. These three types of virtualization have completely changed and turned the world of information technology upside down.
Additional Information
Hardware virtualization is the collective term for all of these types, and includes hypervisors and autonomic computing, an environment that is capable of managing itself, a form of perceived artificial intelligence. The overall goal of virtualization in general, is to improve scalability and hardware resource utilization, dramatically reducing overall overhead costs and efficiency for businesses. This amazing technology has many different capabilities that are made possible in an almost theoretical type of way, only it works. The physical machine or “host” is fooled into believing it is more than one machine by installing software that literally hides itself from itself, putting a layer between the core physical machine and the perceived virtual machine. This is truly inspiring and incredible technology, utilizing the machine’s resources and capabilities to its fullest potential possible. What a fantastic way to help businesses become more efficient as well as doing it in a cost-effective manner. Another topic that you might want to know about includes what is the dark web?
