Run multiple operating systems on one server
Virtualisation means running software within a virtual
environment. Virtual environments are created when operating
systems and desktop applications are emulated, and don't run
directly on physical hardware. When software is virtualised, you
can run several applications and operating systems on one physical
server.
Using the market leading virtualisation software VMware
and Microsoft Hyper-V, virtual servers are built in
exactly the same way as conventional physical servers. They have
their own operating systems, and are seen by the network as
completely independent devices. Depending on how powerful the
physical 'host' server may be, it is typical to have up to 3 or 4
'guest' virtual servers residing on the one physical machine.
As a virtual server is essentially a set of data files, it can
easily be moved or copied from one physical location to another,
giving a level of flexibility that physical servers cannot match.
The virtual solutions we can implement will dramatically increase
the options available to organisations when considering their
disaster recovery strategies.
Specific benefits include:
- Server consolidation (for example you can run several operating
systems on one physical server, so you get the maximum use from
your hardware)
Easier software back-up and disaster recovery
- Hosting legacy applications, for example ones that need to run
on older operating systems
- Reduced test and development costs - you get the most from your
hardware, plus improved life cycle management and test
coverage
- Better business continuity - the flexibility of a virtual
set-up helps reduce scheduled and unscheduled downtime
- Being greener: fewer physical servers means a smaller carbon
footprint
Before your business invests in another expensive server, talk
to us about the possibilities server virtualisation could offer
you.
Beginning with Windows Server 2008, server virtualization using Hyper-V technology has been an integral part of the operating system. Windows Server 2008 R2 introduces a new version of Hyper-V. Hyper-V makes it easier than ever to take advantage of the cost savings of virtualization through Windows Server 2008.
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VMware Server is a hosted virtualization platform that installs like an application on any existing server hardware and partitions a physical server into multiple virtual machines.
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