Given that you’re a business owner, using any strategy that helps your organization save on operational costs, labor, and other associated expenses should be among your priorities. One of the strategies that can help you accomplish just that is server virtualization.
With server virtualization, you can use a single server instead of many. In this single server, you can install several applications and operating systems to address your diverse needs. Because of the power and operating capacity of virtualization-enabled servers, your business operations aren’t derailed; rather, they’re improved because of the efficiency of this new technology.
However, if it’ll be your first time implementing server virtualization, you need to be cautious to ensure that you do so in a way that’s suitable for your business. You may seek expert guidance from an IT company Cincinnati or any managed IT service provider in your area. To help you perform successful server virtualization for your enterprise, here are essential tips for you to follow:
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Check For Compatibility
Depending on your needs, you have to look for an appropriate server. Besides business requirements, several other factors may influence your choice of server, such as the cost.
However, cost shouldn’t be the sole basis of your decision because quality takes center stage when you want efficiency. Furthermore, after you’ve identified a good server for your business, you need to ensure that it’s compatible with the software you intend to use. Because a virtualized server would house more than one software, with the guidance of a managed IT company or the vendor, see to it that the server you go for will be able to run your operating systems.
If the software and the server are incompatible, the solution might be to get another server. On the other hand, you can choose to upgrade the software. It’s advisable to take whichever is the more cost-effective route. Failing to ensure total compatibility, you may run into operational challenges such as inaccessibility of the server, security challenges, or a drastic drop in efficiency.
You need to be aware that every virtualization solution is meant for certain purposes that might not be what you need. Also, technology is advancing; therefore, adopting a technology that can support future innovations can be a cost-saver in the long term.
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Prioritize Your Needs
If you own a start-up or a small business, you probably want to meet all of your virtualization needs at once. It’s not wrong to do so if you can afford it. However, if you have a limited budget, consider virtualizing in several phases. Conduct a thorough assessment of your needs. For instance, if you have to level up your marketing campaigns, you can first implement a virtualization plan to house your marketing software to give your products and services good exposure.
In addition, if your email server is becoming obsolete or is inefficient, that can also be an option for virtualization. In your action plan for the endeavor, you can initially get several virtualization solutions for the sake of cost-effectiveness instead of running only one or two software in your virtual server, which would result in underutilization.
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Have A Backup Plan
Apart from getting virtualization services from a service provider, you can request data backup solutions. However, before you continue acquiring a virtualization server, you need to assess your existing backup option to see if it’s compatible with the server. In case your current backup technology doesn’t work well with the new technology, you may have to upgrade it to a more seamless one.
Suppose you have a contract with a different service provider. In that case, you should find out if it would be feasible to end it, although it might attract some penalties. However, if the contract is close to termination, ending it without consequences in order to adopt a backup virtualization plan with another provider may be possible. In summary, see to it that you weigh your options well to avoid or minimize financial loss.
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Upskill Your Workers
A virtual server is completely different from a physical server. Therefore, as you consider taking this momentous step of turning to server virtualization, it’s important to ensure that your employees will be in a position to handle the new technology. You can carry out upskilling training, particularly for those who’ll be operating the technology. On the other hand, if the server is rather sophisticated, sponsor your employees to take a course that’ll enable them to work with the new technology efficiently.
Upskilling your employees might be costly, especially if you have a small business. However, in the long run, it’s a worthy investment.
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Consider Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a serious concern for business owners these days. Business data need to be protected from illegal access by cybercriminals. In many countries, it’s mandatory to institute data protection measures, especially if you’re storing private information meant only for your customers. For instance, healthcare establishments in the U.S. have to stay compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
A breach in cybersecurity can cost your business hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In addition, it might destroy your business’ good reputation, which may cause your loyal customers to leave and switch to your competitors. Cybersecurity is a threat not only to small businesses but to large corporations as well.
So before settling for a particular service provider for server virtualization, ask for a detailed explanation on how they’ll ensure that your business data are secure from hacking. Moreover, you can request a list of clients they’ve partnered with and call some of them to know how satisfied they are with the provider’s services. If they’ve partnered with big businesses in your niche, this can be proof that the company can be trusted.
Wrapping Up
Modern technology can increase efficiency in businesses and provide cost-effective solutions. Regardless of the kind of technology you want in your company, it’s likely that those two factors will be among your considerations during the selection process. The same aspects are of great importance when you’re looking to implement server virtualization. That’s why it’s a must to get expert opinions from server virtualization providers when adopting the technology. Moreover, you can use the tips given in this article as a road map to successful business server virtualization.
Also Read: 5 Tips For Boosting SQL Server Performance
