I have used a number of different types of virtualisation technologies over the years in IT from local desktop virtualisation to VMWare ESX server implementations.
As a developer i used alot of local desktop virtualisation technologies to test various platforms to run particular software which we built. The main driving benefit of using this technology was that we didn't have to have different hardware for different Operating Systems. All the operating systems could be run locally on the same machine so that we could ensure that our custom software could be deployed and run successfully without any issues.
Because of this technology it not only saves huge amounts of capital, because of not having to buy all the physical server. But huge amounts of time, as virtual desktop instances could easily be created while still working on the local machine.
Some of the virtualisation desktop software i have used is virtual desktop by microsoft, parallels, and virtual box
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Disadvantages with Server Virtualisation
With all things technology there are advantages and disadvantages for all emerging technologies. Earlier i spoke about advantages of implementation of virtualisation, and how cost savings and server consolidation could be achieved with server virtualisation. Now im going to look at some of the disadvantages associated with virtualisation.
1. Magnified physical failures
Imagine you had 10 very important servers running on the one physical host and its internals (i.e. RAID controller fails) and wipes all the important information for all these machines.
2. Degraded Performance
Because more than one machine is running on the same physical host, performance can drop if all virtual machines need the resources at the same time. Leading to slower response times.
3. Increased Complexity
Virtualisation adds a new layer of complexity to the physical host running the machine, which in-turn can add considerable time and effort to work out the root cause of a problem if the issue is within the virtualisation layer.
4. Virtual Machine Spawl
Even though virtual server management can get quite complex, and installing a new machine can be quick. The problem might arise is that if the number of servers grows faster than the number of administrators who are supposed to manage them.
These are just a few of the disadvantages of virtualisation i have found on the internet related to virtualisation.
1. Magnified physical failures
Imagine you had 10 very important servers running on the one physical host and its internals (i.e. RAID controller fails) and wipes all the important information for all these machines.
2. Degraded Performance
Because more than one machine is running on the same physical host, performance can drop if all virtual machines need the resources at the same time. Leading to slower response times.
3. Increased Complexity
Virtualisation adds a new layer of complexity to the physical host running the machine, which in-turn can add considerable time and effort to work out the root cause of a problem if the issue is within the virtualisation layer.
4. Virtual Machine Spawl
Even though virtual server management can get quite complex, and installing a new machine can be quick. The problem might arise is that if the number of servers grows faster than the number of administrators who are supposed to manage them.
These are just a few of the disadvantages of virtualisation i have found on the internet related to virtualisation.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Benefits Virtualisation
Virtualisation, Cloud Computing, Green IT, have all been touted as the next big thing in the world of computing. All for the right reasons, because there are several advantages to be had by implementing virtualisation.
Cost Savings – this is one of the major benefits which often cited as a reason for implementing virtualisation.
Firstly when you virtualise, you can cut down on computing equipment like the number of servers you employ. The net effect is a drastic reduction in the amount of energy your company uses. This represents a huge cost savings.
Secondly, by reducing the amount of computing equipment, you are eliminating the need for more space for such equipment. Real estate costs can be a significant part of your costs. Therefore when you do not need more space for equipment, you are saving money. Cost savings of between 50 – 70% have been quoted as typical when virtualisation is implemented.
Thirdly if you run your IT in-house, you will need to employ people to administer your systems. After virtualisation, the number of systems is greatly reduced and therefore your cost of system administration will be significantly cut down.
Simplification of IT – when you virtualize, you simplify your computing, by having for example various applications running on a single server.
Reduce or eliminate need for several upgrades – when you run multiple applications each on their own server, there is the need for you to always upgrade these systems each time there is a new patch for your systems. With virtualisation there is no need for you upgrading (if your systems are outsourced) or you will have fewer systems to upgrade.
Improve efficiency and availability of resources - When you virtualise, your computing efficiency is dramatically improved. You use much less energy as a consequence. One clear advantage of virtualisation is the reduction of energy consumption. When you use less energy, the amount green gas emitted into the atmosphere is reduced. Virtualisation is therefore rightly seen as one tool in the fight against global warming.
Your business is likely to recover more quickly from a disaster (if you were hit by one) when you have virtualized than when you run all your systems in-house.
Strategic advantage – many people nowadays are becoming environmentally aware. As a result more and customers and potential customers are now looking at the green credentials of companies they do business with. If you can present your company as an environmentally friendly company, taking the right actions to protect the environment, this is a plus and can be an advantage to you over your competitors.
To sum up - virtualisation will enable better system and hardware usage; it will curb data centre sprawl, reduce your IT administration cost, by reducing the number of physical machines you have to manage, contribute towards the fight against global warming by reducing the amount of energy you use, and give you a strategic advantage over your competitors.
Cost Savings – this is one of the major benefits which often cited as a reason for implementing virtualisation.
Firstly when you virtualise, you can cut down on computing equipment like the number of servers you employ. The net effect is a drastic reduction in the amount of energy your company uses. This represents a huge cost savings.
Secondly, by reducing the amount of computing equipment, you are eliminating the need for more space for such equipment. Real estate costs can be a significant part of your costs. Therefore when you do not need more space for equipment, you are saving money. Cost savings of between 50 – 70% have been quoted as typical when virtualisation is implemented.
Thirdly if you run your IT in-house, you will need to employ people to administer your systems. After virtualisation, the number of systems is greatly reduced and therefore your cost of system administration will be significantly cut down.
Simplification of IT – when you virtualize, you simplify your computing, by having for example various applications running on a single server.
Reduce or eliminate need for several upgrades – when you run multiple applications each on their own server, there is the need for you to always upgrade these systems each time there is a new patch for your systems. With virtualisation there is no need for you upgrading (if your systems are outsourced) or you will have fewer systems to upgrade.
Improve efficiency and availability of resources - When you virtualise, your computing efficiency is dramatically improved. You use much less energy as a consequence. One clear advantage of virtualisation is the reduction of energy consumption. When you use less energy, the amount green gas emitted into the atmosphere is reduced. Virtualisation is therefore rightly seen as one tool in the fight against global warming.
Your business is likely to recover more quickly from a disaster (if you were hit by one) when you have virtualized than when you run all your systems in-house.
Strategic advantage – many people nowadays are becoming environmentally aware. As a result more and customers and potential customers are now looking at the green credentials of companies they do business with. If you can present your company as an environmentally friendly company, taking the right actions to protect the environment, this is a plus and can be an advantage to you over your competitors.
To sum up - virtualisation will enable better system and hardware usage; it will curb data centre sprawl, reduce your IT administration cost, by reducing the number of physical machines you have to manage, contribute towards the fight against global warming by reducing the amount of energy you use, and give you a strategic advantage over your competitors.
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