Virtualisation

Server virtualisation - a technique of running multiple combinations of applications and operating systems on a single computer - is set to become a de facto hosting technology for many years to come.

Gartner has predicted that it be the most disruptive technology of this next decade. Which in itself is an odd description as the actual deployment of virtual infrastructure is non-disruptive since the user experiences remain unchanged. Gartner has estimated that approximately 10% of today's x86 server workloads are running in virtual machines, but that this number will grow to nearer 61% by 2013.

Server virtualisation, if applied correctly, means hardware can be used more efficiently and resources can be dynamically allocated to applications based on demand. Each application can be run in a separate virtual server, leading to fewer servers, fewer racks, less power, reduced operating costs and an overall reduction in your IT footprint.

Virtualisation has 'the potential' to deliver the benefits that it is being widely touted to bring to IT departments, but it is not simply a case of waving a 'virtualised wand' and all will be well in the server room. The introduction of virtualisation into any environment requires careful planning and expertise.

Rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution, virtualisation has to address the unique goals and resources of each organisation that implements the strategy. CIOs must be very clear in understanding what they are expecting virtualisation to deliver. An end game and expected results must be defined before starting a virtualisation project.

The iomart Group has been deploying and managing large scale virtualised server environments for many years and is offering organisations the opportunity to benefit from the experience gained in this area.