Benefits of server virtualization for a tight IT budget

Small business servers are a critical investment, but with limited IT budget and resources, adding or replacing hardware requires serious consideration. This is where virtual machines may help justify expenditures and maximize value.

Virtual machines (VMs) are virtual computers or servers that can be hosted onsite or in the cloud, allowing SMBs to use scalable, on-demand resources at a lower cost or to host multiple servers on one physical device. Virtual machines are, essentially, files or images that can be copied and installed, then behave like hardware servers once launched. Virtualization isn't limited to servers, either: Virtual storage lets you control and target 'drives' that live in software, virtual networks operate wirelessly, and virtual domain controllers can manage all your users and operating environments. 

Not just for enterprise

While virtualization may seem expensive, complicated, and reserved for large-scale players, it can actually increase hardware efficiency and reduce costs for small businesses. This is because there is a layer of abstraction -- created by the hypervisor -- that removes the dependency between workload and hardware.

The hypervisor is a thin layer of code that is installed on the physical server, and it manages the environment in which multiple virtual machines can be installed. It intercepts hardware resource requests from virtual machines and translates those requests so they can be executed on the hardware. The reverse is also true -- requests from hardware for the virtual machine are translated by the hypervisor into emulated device drivers that the virtual machine can understand.

The advantage of this abstraction, as we said, is the computer's operating system and applications will no longer be dependent on any particular physical hardware. If an SMB encounters a problem with one physical server, VMs can be manually or automatically shifted for rapid failover and increased resilience. 

Avoiding downtime

Virtualization gives your business the advantage of avoiding downtime, which can be a major challenge. Nearly a quarter of SMB IT systems have gone offline in the past year, according to a study by Infrascale. More than one-third (37 percent) of businesses surveyed said they lost customers due to downtime, and 17 percent lost sales.

Nearly 20 percent admitted that they do not feel their businesses are adequately prepared to address and prevent unexpected downtime. Of those, 13 percent said they do not feel their business is prepared because they have limited time to research and implement resilience solutions.

In case of a disaster (or even for routine hardware maintenance), virtual machines can be migrated to different hardware or the cloud seamlessly, reducing or eliminating any service outages. 

The right virtualization for small businesses

Choosing the best server for a small business can be challenging. There are many types of processors, hard drives, and other options to choose from, and it's not always easy to know where to start. That said, here are four key issues need to focus on before choosing a server that can be used to host virtual machines:

1.  Research server specs based on the applications you'll need it to run.

2.  Determine the best location for the server -- whether on-site, in a branch office, or hosted.

3.  Calculate the budget for purchase and setup, factoring in professional help if needed.

4.  Select the server type, accounting for growth.

In addition to the right virtualization setup, you must also consider whether your storage systems will support virtualized workloads and features. That's why it's helpful to talk to an expert who can help you strategize. Vendors like Dell offer virtualization packages that include  server hardware, virtualization software to manage virtual machines, and a storage area network for integrated data storage. All of these may be pre-tested for compatibility with your existing infrastructure and pre-configured so they can launch out of the box.

Dell Small Business advisors can help with planning, delivering, and setting up an environment to support your business activities and ensure a powerful operational platform that is scalable into the future.