Virtualisation is a technology that creates a layer of abstraction between hardware and software; between the computing, storage and network infrastructure and the operating systems and applications that use them. This means several different operating systems and applications can run on the same computer at the same time.
When extended across the enterprise, virtualisation lets you consolidate server resources so that fewer servers can do the work of many. What’s more, multiple servers, storage devices and networks can be combined into a central pool to efficiently deliver computing resources to applications as needed.
Virtualisation offers significant benefits:
Reduced cost
Decreasing the number of servers and related IT hardware can cut the need for data centre space, power, cooling and ongoing support costs. Some organisations have saved more than $3,000 per server per year with virtualisation.
Decreased operational support
Virtualisation lets you provision new applications in minutes instead of days or weeks. Centralised administration also streamlines maintenance with less time spent on repetitive tasks such as configuration, management and monitoring.
Increased application availability
The ability to migrate entire virtual environments to other servers in minutes can reduce business interruption during server maintenance periods
Enhanced business continuity
Virtualisation allows you to securely back up and recover quickly from unplanned outages. In some cases, there has been an 85% improvement in recovery time from outages.
More efficient use of computing resources
Virtualisation lets you use processing resources far more efficiently. In many instances, x86 servers have achieved a 60-80% utilisation of processing power, compared to 5-15% for non-virtualised PCs.
Improved management
Server virtualisation allows you to better manage computing resources and more accurately forecast future requirements.
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