Skip to main content

Virtualization is a complex topic to consider for your business IT. But it doesn’t have to be. Essentially virtualization simply means consolidating multiple functional server stacks into one server, which is then used to house all the operating systems and software for a business’s IT needs. Here are five ways virtualization can hack your business IT costs and save you money.

Cut consumption costs

With virtualization, your company can combine multiple servers into one. This creates significant advantages in terms of eliminating not only the additional server stacks themselves but also the operational costs of keeping them powered up, maintained, and stored. It also increases functionality by streamlining collaboration.

Speed disaster recovery

When you use virtualization, security breaches are already more limited in scope because all the data and systems exist beyond the server’s firewall. This makes them easier to monitor. It also means that it is far easier to bring systems back online after catastrophic events or power failures. Think hours instead of days. Speeding up this process saves lots of money by avoiding downtime. It can also save business reputation.

Implement BYOD

The bring your own device (BYOD) business economy has had a well-documented and rising impact on business environments. Many companies take advantage of virtualization to allow employees to work completely from their personal devices.

However, one potential downside to BYOD is the security risk it poses. Virtualization massively lowers this risk by again keeping all the programs behind the dedicated split server’s firewall, lowering potential breaches and making them far easier to detect. This allows companies to implement a BYOD policy with confidence.

Related: BYOD: what businesses need to know

Consolidate equipment

Virtualization allows you to consolidate multiple tasked servers into one dedicated server, which is split into several virtual machines that handle various tasks from storage to software. By consolidating this equipment, companies can save a ton of up-front capital investment while lowering total operational costs.

Streamline maintenance and oversight

The more servers and IT equipment a business has, the more maintenance and allotted staff it needs for maintinance and oversight. Virtualization can make massive inroads into saving money on these tasks. Simply put, a consolidated virtual system means less equipment to manage and a more streamlined management process in general. This can save both money and man hours while increasing productivity and security.

Related: 10 Online Habits That Hackers and Malware Love

Should you virtualize?

While there are many advantages to virtualization, it doesn’t make sense for every business. But for those larger SMB and enterprise-level organizations who find it a good fit, it has massive potential to streamline processes and save money in the long run while delivering added security.

If virtualization doesn’t quite seem like the right fit for your SMB, check out these 4 tips to grow your business.

Rebecca Moore

Sales and Marketing Specialist at Stronghold Data