Hyper V Server Virtualization

Virtualization transforms hardware into software. The implications for business continuity / disaster recovery, speed of deployment and system efficiencies make server virtualization very exciting.

Using solutions from VMWare (VMWare ESX, ESX3 Infrastructure and vSphere) as well as Microsoft (Microsoft Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V) Blueline Computer can help you take advantage of these new technologies.

How does Hyper V Server Virtualization work?

Lightweight software is installed on the physical machine. This "layer" is used to partition the physical server into separate areas that virtual servers then occupy. Each virtual server acts as its own entity; applications on one server do not affect other virtual machines on that same physical server. This is how virtualization works. Hyper-V Server Virtualization by Microsoft is a hypervisor-based virtualization system for x64 systems.

What are the advantages of virtualization?

Reduced space requirments, reduced cooling, reduced energy use, reduced hardware maintenance, these are the most often talked about benefits of virtualization. The advantages of a properly planned for and implemented virtualization project are great:

Server consolidation: It's estimated that physical servers use only 20 percent of their capacity. By virtualizing those servers hardware use can be as high as 60 to 80 percent.

Smaller footprint: Virtualizing servers decreases the number of physical boxes that a company must use. This means a smaller datacenter, with the resulting decreases in cooling and electrical costs.

Hardware costs: Fewer physical servers are required, saving money both on upfront hardware costs and and on maintenance costs.

Simplicity and Flexibility: Virtualized systems allows quick creation of different operating system and server environments.

Ease of Testing and Development: In a similar vein as above, virtualization speeds up the development and testing process because it makes it easier to create different operating system environments.  Virtualization allows designers to compare application performance across different operating environments, as well testing out applications outside the production environment.