Learn about the main advantages and disadvantages of server virtualization

The virtualization of servers is a technology that allows, through the use of software known as hypervisors, to segment a physical server into several virtual servers. The use of this technology is increasingly widespread, since it has many advantages, but also with some disadvantages that you should know. In this article, we will analyze for you the advantages and benefits of using server virtualization. Advantages of server virtualization, among the advantages of virtualization, we must highlight:

Cost reduction

Undoubtedly one of the main advantages of the use of virtualization is the saving of money that supposes for the companies its implementation. The virtualization can suppose for the saving in the area of IT of your company of until 20%.

This is due to a number of reasons:

- Virtualization takes full advantage of the servers' capacity and reduces their downtime. In this way you will be able to use the servers at maximum capacity and turn off the ones you are not using. - Virtualization will allow you to save a lot of energy, since you will need a much smaller number of physical servers. - With fewer physical servers, you will also save on equipment maintenance costs.

Better security

Security is another of the great advantages of server virtualization. Bare metal server ensure this kind of security as usual. In this section the advantages are: - Backups. Virtualization allows you to program in an easy and quick way the performing backups of each of your virtual machines so that in event of an attack or a major failure, you can restore your machine in a short time.

This aspect is key in any company since the loss of data can cause a huge loss of money.

- Better response to unforeseen interruptions. Sometimes servers suffer problems, either due to a failure in their operating system or hardware failure. The use of virtualization will allow moving the virtual servers to another physical server that is in perfect condition so you can continue working in the shortest time possible.

This aspect is key for your servers to work for as long as possible, thus improving the efficiency of your company's resources.

- Possibility of testing safely. Virtualization is an excellent and secure platform in which you can perform different configurations or software updates to verify that it works correctly. In this way you can implement it later on your computers without fear of a problem occurring. - Reduction of the recovery time in case of serious disasters. Serious disasters occur, they are the job that every system administrator has suffered. The virtualization of servers will help you protect your system against this type of failure in case of being a victim of one of them.

For this you can create images of your systems periodically or before making any type of modification or update of your servers.

Using these images together and the security copies mentioned above, you can return your system to a stable state and recover 100% of the data you have stored.

More efficient workers

Virtualization also offers advantages for your workers that, in short, are also advantages for the company. - If your workers move or your company allows working from home, the use of virtual servers allows your employees to access your company's data from anywhere, which will facilitate their work and improve their performance. - Virtualization allows easier administration of aspects such as software installation, updates or maintain security so your employees in the systems area will see their work easier. These are the three main advantages of virtualization, now it is time to talk about the disadvantages.

Disadvantages of server virtualization

The implementation of this technology also has its cons, among them we must talk about the following:

Increase in initial costs

The investment in software to manage virtual servers, and perhaps the need to acquire new hardware to be able to implement server virtualization, can be an obstacle if your company is small or you do not have enough resources. It is necessary to carry out a preliminary study to know what the costs of implementing this technology in your company will be. On the other hand, you always have the option of renting the servers from a supplier company, but you must ensure that the contracted company guarantees 100% of your business data.

Need to learn to manage the new virtual environment

Before implementing virtualization in your company, you should bear in mind that, if your system administrators are not familiar with the management of this type of virtual environments, they should learn to handle a multitude of new tools, which is not always easy.

Lower performance

Since the virtual servers run in an intermediate layer to that of the real hardware, the performance will be lower than through the use of traditional servers. On the other hand, if you install many virtual machines in a single physical server you will end up saturating it, which will also imply a considerable reduction in performance. It is important that only the indispensable virtual machines are created, not one more. Again we must mention the importance of conducting a preliminary study that allows you to predict how many servers and resources you will need for the performance to be adequate. As you have been able to read, there are many and very different aspects that have to be considered when implementing the virtualization of servers in a company. Finally, we would love to hear your opinion about this technology, for example, what do you consider the aspects, both favorable and unfavorable, of virtualization? Or if you work with virtual servers in your company we would love to hear your opinion and what tools you consider key to their use