What is ‘IT Virtualisation’?

Firstly, to look at the basic terminology of ‘virtualisation’, it may be apparent that a physical server or desktop PC will exist on-site within an organisation having its own hardware, operating system and fully installed software applications; however the virtualisation of such a system can often be somewhat difficult to comprehend.

A typical PC consists of a chassis and several internal hardware components that work together with software to allow users to make use of technology as we know it. This is known as a physical IT solution. Data is usually stored locally inside the computer onto what is known as an internal hard drive and is then accessed individually

Virtual computers on the other hand are used in much the same way, this being that the user will still operate the PC using a monitor, keyboard and mouse to access files, applications and data but instead of using the traditional tower the information is accessed through a small box shaped device.

More often than not users will not be aware that in actual fact they are connected to just one computer. All devices (up to 30) are connected via a cable to the main computer or server, specialized software is put into place to help manage the usage of such an environment and to allow the sharing of files and to run applications concurrently.

Virtualisation is the ability to run multiple operating systems on one computer, whether that computer may be a server or a PC. It allows for greater utilisation of hardware resources. The average computer’s resources are rarely exploited and typical usage is around 8 - 10% of the computer’s capabilities.

Virtualisation enables you to maximise your investment by unlocking the potential of your hardware. For example the average secondary school has 4 – 6 servers these are generally underused, by implementing server virtualisation the requirement for this much hardware is removed. The workload could be easily managed by 2 servers running a virtualisation platform saving approximately £10,000 in hardware costs.

Desktop virtualization

This is the method of taking the applications, data and files (desktop) from the physical machine and storing it onto a remote server whereby this can be accessed by many users at the same time. This saves storing several of the ‘same’ desktop images onto multiple hard-drives on local workstations.

Desktop virtualization allows IT staff to manage provision, upgrades and patches through the ‘virtual desktops’ as opposed to physically managing computers individually, this gives users’ the same desktop experience as before but is highly beneficial to both parties i.e. IT staff and users when maintenance is needed or problems occur thus leading to lower support costs.

Data is not kept locally when desktop virtualisation plans are implemented as all users’ store personal data and files on a centralised server thus keeping data safe.

Generally, with the use of desktop virtualisation it can increase PC upgrade cycles by 2-3 years with the aim of 5-6 years in total for a total network refresh, this is due to the convenient method of providing organisations with instant ‘new desktops’ with reduced costs of allocating new applications and hardware capabilities.

Server Virtualization

This is a method of running multiple operating systems from just one computer divided into ‘virtual’ servers thus sharing a computers’ specification and splitting for example RAM accordingly. The server uses a software application to create many virtual environments from just one physical server.

Server virtualisation allows organisations to manage data and processes far better and in an extremely effective manner by creating techniques to simplify tasks and reduce the resources needed to deploy and manage IT support and networks. This approach of consolidating servers cuts costs dramatically by reducing the need for several ‘physical’ servers and generally operate more efficiently consequently decreasing costs both short and long term.