Small businesses have different needs and requirements than larger companies. Most don't have data centers and some have only a few critical servers. Still, small business can reap significant rewards from server virtualization technologies.

Our small business clients often ask us: 

• Can server virtualization help me?
• Can it be done without breaking the bank?

The first question is easy, yes!  You can really gain some benefits and savings from virtualizing a small group of servers.  Here are just some of the benefits:

Backup and Disaster Recovery– Virtualization gives you the ability to quickly backup and recovery your servers in the case of a disaster.  Since virtual servers are essentially files, they are more portable and easier to load onto new hardware.  A combination of tools exist allowing you to backup critical servers and maintain service levels even in the event of a critical server failures. For example, some of our small business clients maintain a virtual copy of their critical servers off-site that can be activated in the event of an emergency or critical failure. Furthermore, productivity is maintained for the users while the damaged server is restored or replaced. In such a scenario, downtime can be measured in minutes, not hours or days. Even if you backup your data, has your company considered how long it would take to restore or replace a damaged server? Are the losses really acceptable?

Stability – Many small businesses with 2-3 servers will run Active Directory, Exchange, Anti-Virus, Backup Software, and more all on a single physical server sharing a single copy of the operating system. This inherently leads to issues relating to interoperability, and means there are greater number of critical systems lost when the server goes down. Furthermore, upgrading and patching on a single server often requires restarts or reconfigurations that can temporarily leave the office without critical services.  And every time you need to add a new application to your server, you run the risk of destabilizing your existing systems. 

In the old days you would have to take this risk or purchase a new physical server when you need to add important applications.  With virtualization, adding that additional server is much cheaper and easier.  Each virtual server can be used to maintain individual services which can independently be upgraded, reconfigured, or changed without affecting other services. You can apply patches and upgrade your Exchange system on one virtual server while Active Directory and Anti-Virus software remain active on another.

Can this be done without breaking the bank?

Yes, becuase -

• Basic level virtualization software is free from most vendors including VMware Server and Citrix XenServer
• You can purchase a physical server that can run three+ virtual servers for less than you can buy two physical servers.

Virtualization is not one of those technologies that is just for large companies. There is a place for virtualization in the small business. Not only can it be an enabler for you company, it can be a means of risk reduction and productivity insurance.

Nims & Associates successfully implements many different types of virtualization technologies to custom-fit the needs of our clients. Whether you’re interested in developing a Disaster Recovery Plan for your company, or you’re just looking to improve system maintenance windows and productivity, find out how virtualization can ease expenses and save time for your small-business.