Details Virtualization Challenges

At Evolving Solutions, we build IT solutions for companies that improve data center and business efficiency.

Server virtualization, a solution reducing the number of physical servers in a data center by consolidating them into a virtual environment, helps achieve these objectives.  Utilizing fewer physical servers ensures data centers run more efficiently and more affordably, as costs needed to power and cool servers are reduced.

In several posts, particularly in our Data Center Leaders Interview Series, we expound on the benefits of server virtualization – and they are vast.  That being said, the implementation of any new solution will present its share of initial challenges. We would be remiss in only sharing the benefits of server virtualization while not alerting you to these challenges.

NetworkWorld recently detailed the challenges to be aware of with server virtualization in the excellent whitepaper, “Seven Key Challenges You Can’t Ignore,” available now for complimentary download.

Bottom-line, when companies implement a data center solution, they are looking for three things:

•    Performance
•    Affordability
•    Simplicity

In one way or another, everything can be said to relate to these three bullets.

So, bottom-line, does virtualization support these bullets?  If planned, implemented and deployed properly – yes.

Courtesy of NetworkWorld, here’s how:

•    Performance – when moving from physical to virtual software, application networking resources can be depleted at a faster rate, causing initial issues with server performance.  To improve performance, application networking resources can be offloaded onto a purpose-built appliance.
•    Affordability – From new software licenses to new hardware, initial costs of virtualization can threaten to overshadow its eventual cost-saving benefits.  Contain these costs by planning ahead, especially in regards to making the most of existing resources during deployment.  The smoother, more gradual the deployment, the more initial costs will be contained.
•    Simplicity – Anytime you introduce a new IT solution, there will be initial challenges felt as your team learns to manage the data center, new components and all, as a cohesive unit.  By managing virtual machines, your application network and storage network together, your organization can significantly reduce complexity – and simplify administration – by dynamically provisioning resources.

Each of the challenges and solutions above, plus more from the latest whitepaper by NetworkWorld, should be a part of the virtualization plan developed by your data center consultants.  Your consultants should also present these challenges and solutions in regards to how they specifically relate to your company.

If ever you’re unsure about something, the key is simply to ask, and armed with a copy of “Seven Key Challenges You Can’t Ignore” you will be more empowered to ask the right questions.

In the meantime, pose any of your additional questions about the benefits and challenges of server virtualization via a comment below.  We’ll ensure our data center consultants review and provide feedback to each.