Virtualisation allows you to potentially run several “virtual” servers on one physical server, effectively reducing your hardware and energy overheads.

For example, a company may have three physical servers – one for email, one for file management and one for a database application. Three servers sat in a room, all requiring power and all generating heat (great in the winter!). Three backups to carry out and of course, the original financial consideration is potentially three-times greater.

A far more cost effective and energy efficient way would be to have one more powerful server with three virtual servers meaning less up-front hardware costs and lower ongoing energy costs. In terms of the network and user perspective, they would still see the three servers and utilise and interact with them in exactly the same way. Generating less heat also puts less pressure on air conditioning. This would also save valuable space in smaller server room installations!