Virtualisation

5 into 1 will go !

Virtualisation is the ‘word’ that is on every IT professional’s lips. But what exactly does it mean? Well the simple answer is that there are several virtualisation technologies and iomart has expertise in the following areas:

Operating System Virtualisation	Multiple operating systems run on a single host system e.g. Windows or Linux
Server Virtualisation	Multiple virtual operating systems run on top of server hardware without an intervening operating system
Paravirtualisation	Sub set of Server Virtualisation. Thin client operation between server hardware and modified operating system
Application Virtualisation	Application is accessed from a central hosted platform without local installation
Storage Virtualisation	Data storage access from a central hosted store. Typically applies to SAN & NAS arrays.

In addition to the virtualisation technologies listed above, we can also assist with data virtualisation, clustering, thin client and SaaS (software as a service) enablement.

Whatever your virtualisation need, you will be guaranteed the following benefits:

Reduction in Operational & Capex Costs
	Reduce physical hardware estate Reduce Power & Cooling Consolidate server estate
Leverage and exploit existing IT assets
	85% utilisation of available servers at any one time against traditional 10% Utilise existing hardware Easily remove low level hardware builds
Improve flexibility
	Decouple business processes from physical hardware Respond to rapid changes in demand in real time Deploy new products and services faster Reduce lead-time required by hardware constraints
Enable Disaster Recovery and Availability
	Virtual images are easier to restore after failure End users not tied to specific location to access data or applications Virtualisation mirroring Centralised Security
Simplify Management and Reduce Workload
	Less Maintenance Less Fire-fighting Invest resource in core business operations

However, there are also downsides to virtualisation that need to be managed. The most often cited challenges to virtualisation are related to people and processes, not technology. It is in these areas that iomart can earn its ‘spurs’. We have the proven experience in the areas of virtualisation to assist you plan, implement and manage the technologies required so that you derive the obvious benefits that virtualisation will bring.