Are you ready to realise the benefits of virtualization?

IT managers are notoriously busy people, and it is no wonder when you consider the multitude of time consuming tasks they are responsible for. From managing security to implementing desktop management and migration programmes, they are always looking for solutions that can help them save time. This is one of the key reasons virtualization, as a solution, has been hailed as a great strategic tool. In fact, it has been recognised as a game changing technology, providing efficiencies and capabilities that just are not possible to achieve when constrained within a physical world. Yet, while virtualization has continued to mature and advance, many organisations are still not taking full advantage of the offering - stalling their virtual environment short of achieving some of the core benefits this technology has to offer.

But with an increasingly complex device and server landscape to contend with IT managers and their organisations can no longer sit idly by and let the opportunities that virtualization offers pass them by. IT managers need to refocus on this technology and make the most of it if they hope to be able to reduce costs while delivering better IT support and performance across the enterprise.

However, to ensure that you and your business get the most out of virtualization, we suggest you consider the following:

1. Are you able to identify the right technologies?

As virtualization has grown in popularity the number of technologies to choose from to implement it has too. So, in order to make the right choice for your business you need to conduct some due diligence. Do you understand the differences between the most popular solutions namely VMWare vs Citrix when it comes to desktop virtualization as opposed to merely server virtualization? Are you after something without support as you can do this in-house? You also have to take into consideration what each technology would offer you in terms of supporting your estate, so you need to know exactly what you are going to virtualize.

2. Put the right resources in place

While the desire to virtualize may be there that does not mean you or your team have the capability to do this on your own. Virtualization technology is a specialist area which requires expert knowledge to be applied during setup and implementation if you want it to succeed. So, if you do not have the in-house capabilities to ensure success, you should get your staff trained up or engage a professional group to help you set this up. Not doing this is a recipe for disaster.

3. Check your hardware environment

You need to make sure you have the right server set up in place before you decide to virtualize. While it is true that you can throw a number of virtual machines at a single server that server may not have the capacity to handle it effectively. You need to you have plenty of RAM, storage, and CPU power.

4. Set your virtualization goals

Ask yourself right upfront why you are virtualizing? Are you doing it to save money, to be better equipped to do disaster recovery or is it to provide a more flexible environment for internal and external audiences? You have to make sure you know the answers to these questions as those answers will dictate a good deal of your strategy in the beginning.

5. Have a backup plan

The key to virtualization success is having a backup plan. No matter what tools you use to do it, you need to be clear on whether you’re backing up individual machines or your entire virtual estate. The bottom line is you need to make sure you implement a well thought out and designed backup plan for guest and host machines. It is after all better to be safe than sorry.

While virtualization may not be a miracle in itself, for IT managers it sure can come close. The key to making it a success is ensuring the virtualization solutions you choose are aligned to IT and the businesses overall strategies. If you are not sure, get in touch with an expert to help you find the right solution for you.