The Benefits of Data Center Virtualization

There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to the running of data centers. From the physical infrastructure, to software abstraction, to optimization of the hardware, there are a wide array of factors that influence the overall performance of a business and productivity.

However, one way to simplify the process is through virtualization of data centers. Virtualization enables IT administrators to configure and provide IT resources at any time which would not be possible without technology. This automation not only speeds processes up it also ensures that policies are applied consistently and the correct configurations used.

The technology behind virtualization involves the fusion of storage devices, servers and networking equipment to create a system where multiple IT functions can run on a single server. This way, you can maximize original site server utilization and reduce the expense of hardware. Additionally the ability to dynamically adjust resource allocation increases scalability by eliminating capacity that is under utilized.

Another benefit of virtualization is the ease at which you can deploy new IT services and applications. The deployment of a virtual machine takes a few seconds, as compared to the hours and days it would take to configure hardware. This flexibility lets businesses quickly adapt to market needs and gain competitive advantages.

IT administrators must still be aware that a hyper-virtualized data center comes with its own risks. For instance, if IT departments are too naive about the creation of new VMs, it could lead to VM sprawl. The overuse of resources and hardware can cause performance degradation, increased costs and even more attack areas to defend.