The basics of serverless computing
Serverless computing is one way to reduce management burdens brought about by the need to configure several servers. But before you adopt this technology, it’s important that you first understand its basic principles as well as how you can leverage it to improve your day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your bottom line. What is serverless computing? Serverless computing is a bit of a misnomer since this model still uses servers, or computers that process requests and deliver data over a network. Outsourcing workloads to the cloud requires just as much hardware as if the computations were performed in an on-site server. The only difference is the location of the server. In serverless computing, servers are maintained in the cloud. Office 365 and Google Docs are great examples of this model. Thousands of servers are set up to run these apps so that they can always handle millions of users at any given moment. Microsoft and Google need to manage and maintain these servers round-the-clock to keep up with demand — always on and always ready to handle more workloads, even during off-peak hours. Serverless computing enables developers to create apps and websites that use cloud resources only when they’re needed. So if you were to create a web app, you wouldn’t need to pay for a dedicated cloud server. The cloud provider would host your app’s programming code and run it only when a user requested it, and allocate the appropriate resources and charge by the second for what is used. What are its benefits? Serverless computing is perfect for those who use cloud resources for processing power. It isn’t for those who use the cloud just to store files. But if you use the cloud to process information and turn it into something more useful, serverless computing will be a great help. Take for example Amazon’s Alexa. Every command Alexa responds to is nothing more than an app that sits dormant until a user tells the AI assistant to run it. Small businesses are taking advantage of this by developing apps in Amazon’s cloud that Alexa can process without the burden of setting up a dedicated server. Serverless computing isn’t about getting rid of servers; it’s about using their raw computing power without having to fine tune them first. It’s categorized as a virtualization technology and offers countless opportunities for SMBs working with limited budgets. If you have questions about virtualization and how your SMB can use it to lower costs and increase efficiencies, reach out to us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Running Windows on Macs through VMs
If you own an Apple computer, you might think it’s impossible to install Windows-based software on it. But with operating system (OS) virtualization, you can run any application you want and enjoy exciting new cross-platform features. Configure an entire machine with a few clicks With programs like VMware and Parallels, installing Microsoft’s OS on your Mac is almost as easy as creating a new document in Office. The process varies between vendors, but it’s usually akin to clicking File and New and then choosing between Windows XP, 7, 8 or 10, and typing in your product key. Deciding how much hard drive space and RAM get devoted to your virtual machine is also simple and user-friendly. For example, allocating memory to your Windows partition is done by sliding a marker along a scale that is color-coded based on the recommendations of your virtualization software. Once you’ve completed these simple steps, click Finish and the rest will be configured for you. Picture-in-picture computing Older OS virtualization solutions forced you to choose which platform you would use by presenting the options while the computer was still booting up. Once you picked one OS, there was no way to switch without restarting the computer. Now, you can open Windows as if it were just another desktop application. This is especially useful when you need to work in both OSs simultaneously. Just adjust your Windows screen to half the size of your monitor and use the other half for MacOS applications. Another reason this is so important is because it allows you to run multiple versions of Windows at the same time. Half of your screen could be running an outdated application in Windows XP while the other half is working in Windows 10. Touchbar support The customizable touchscreen that was added to Apple’s flagship laptop line is a great way to create shortcuts and increase productivity. Virtualization applications have added Touch Bar support so you can use it to interact with Windows applications. For example, a Touch Bar button for opening Cortana — Microsoft’s AI assistant — is included in the Parallels virtualization software. Alternatively, you can also use Apple’s keyboard-based touch screen to toggle between virtual OSs or interact with your Mac while still working in Windows. Single Application Mode Containers are a popular subset of virtualization solutions that allow you to give users access to a single application rather than an entire OS. Unfortunately, they are incredibly difficult to set up and manage. Updates to Mac virtualization software have simplified the process with a “Single Application Mode” whereby administrators can grant employees access to pre-configured Windows partitions with only one program installed. Snapshots Regardless of whether you’re a certified virtualization professional or a consumer trying to make it work with low-cost software, everyone makes mistakes. With saved configurations of Windows installs known as Snapshots, you can start over without having to set up everything from scratch. If one of your Windows partitions becomes infected with malware, loading a Snapshot rolls everything back to its original state so you don’t have to configure the virtual hardware or retype the Windows product key. Best of all, restoring a Snapshot is much quicker than a fresh install. Taking advantage of everything virtualization has to offer involves a lot of IT planning and maintenance. Fortunately, it’s all within reach for small- and medium-sized businesses that partner with a managed IT services provider. Contact us today to learn more. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Should I choose virtualization or the cloud?
Have you heard about cloud computing and virtualization technologies but don’t know the difference? Or maybe you’ve heard a fellow business owner talk about why one is better than the other? Here are the differences between the two and the things you must know to determine which solution is best for your business. Differences between cloud computing and virtualization Virtualization lets you reallocate hardware power using software. For example, many organizations virtualize an in-house server because if only 60% of a server’s computing power is needed to support the company email, it’s hard to make sure the other 40% is used efficiently. With virtualization, you can create two virtual servers from one set of hardware. Each virtual server can be configured with just the right amount of memory and processing power for the needs of specific services such as email, data storage, and hosted telecommunications. Using IT more efficiently means you can put off buying new server hardware, save space in your office, and lower IT maintenance costs. Cloud computing, on the other hand, is a method for delivering processing power. It allows you to access servers and other IT resources via the internet. For example, you could pay for access to a traditional cloud server (one set of hardware, one computer) or a virtualized cloud server. The main advantage of the cloud is that you can access your IT resources from anywhere with an internet connection. Arguments for virtualization A virtualization migration is relatively easy on end users since most of the upgrades are behind the scenes. Your employees may not even realize that your server has been virtualized. But adopting cloud technology means they will need to learn new apps, interfaces, logins, security practices, and a host of other new processes. Such a big change could hurt productivity. Arguments for the cloud If you’re willing to risk a short-term reduction in productivity in exchange for long-term independence from unpredictable hardware, cloud computing is a no-brainer. Other than a steep learning curve for your employees, the cloud is easier on your IT team and on your bottom line. Although some migrations, like moving from locally installed Office software to the cloud-based Office 365, won’t affect end users at all. Which is the best choice for your business? If you want to increase the efficiency of your existing IT hardware, make virtualization a top priority. If long-term growth and IT flexibility are more important, the steeper learning curve of cloud computing might be worth it. One thing both technologies have in common is that they both need the unwavering support of trained professionals. Whether you’re virtualizing a server or upgrading to a cloud app, things like network security and data backups will need specialized care. Give us a call today to receive a special consultation. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Container facts you’re misunderstanding
Virtualization and container technologies are confusing topics in their own right, and comparing and contrasting them is even harder. To understand the differences between container and virtualization technologies, it’s best to clear up some commonly misunderstood information on how they work. Containers are made up of the bare minimum hardware and software requirements to allow a specific program to run. For example, if you want to give employees access to a single Mac-based server application, but everything else you run is in Windows, it would be a waste to build a new machine for just that program. Containers allow you to partition just the right amount of hardware power and software overhead to run that Mac program on your Windows server. Misconception #1: Containers require virtualization Previously, containers could only be created and managed in the Linux operating system (OS). This meant complicated and sometimes unreliable improvisation was required to benefit from container technology on Windows and Mac servers. First, you would need to virtualize a full-fledged Linux installation on your Windows or Mac server, and then install container management inside of Linux. Now, container management software can run on Windows and MacOS without the confusing multi-layer systems. Misconception #2: There is only one container vendor Traditional virtualization technology, which creates entire virtual computers rather than single-application machines, allowed two decades for vendors to enter the market and improve their offerings. Containers, however, didn’t break into the mainstream until a few years ago. Fortunately, there are still more than enough container vendors. Docker dominates the industry and headlines, but there are at least a dozen other programs to choose from. Misconception #3: You can’t create and manage containers in bulk Orchestrators are separate programs that allow you to scale up your use of containers. If you need to partition more hardware power so more users can use a container, or if you need to create several identical containers, orchestrators make that possible. Misconception #4: Containers are faster than virtual machines Obviously, virtualizing an entire operating system and the hardware necessary to run it requires more management and processing requirements. A lot of people tend to think this means containers are faster than virtualized machines. In reality, containers are just more efficient. Accessing a container is as simple as opening it and using the application. A virtualized machine, however, needs to be booted up, a user needs to log in to the OS, and then you can rummage through folders to open an application. Most of the time containers are faster, but there are instances when that’s not true. Virtualization and containers are complicated technologies. For now, just remember that 1) Virtualization and containers are separate technologies, each with pros and cons, and 2) you have plenty of software options to manage containers (sometimes in bulk). For anything more specific than that, give us a call! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
App virtualization: What you need to know
As a small- or medium-sized business (SMB) owner, you need to stay on top of IT trends to get ahead. However, many new IT solutions are quite confusing. One of those is app virtualization. To clear up the confusion, here is a quick overview of what it’s all about. What are non-virtualized apps? To understand app virtualization, first you need to understand how non-virtualized apps are installed. When you install an application like Skype or Slack onto a computer, the installer program puts most of the files required for the app to run on your hard drive’s Program Files folder. This process is usually fine for personal use but may become problematic if you install similar apps on your device. For instance, if two similar apps are installed on the same file destination, there’s a chance that they might conflict with each other and inevitably crash. Likewise, if you uninstall a program without knowing that it shares important files with another application, you run the risk of breaking the other one. The solution to this is app virtualization. What is app virtualization? App virtualization involves running a program in an environment separate from the physical server, allowing you to run programs that are normally incompatible with a certain operating system (OS). In other words, virtualized apps trick your computer into working as if the application is running on a local machine, but in fact, you’re actually accessing the app from somewhere else. Advantages of app virtualization App virtualization offers numerous advantages for SMBs, including: Quick installation times and less money spent on local installation Allowing incompatible applications to run on any local machine. For instance, if your laptop is dated and can’t run the latest apps on its own, you can lighten the load on your CPU by accessing virtualized apps instead. Mac users can run any Windows apps if your company’s local server runs Windows OS. Applications on your computers won’t be in conflict with each other since virtual apps are installed in a separate location. Upgrading is easy because your IT team won’t have to upgrade applications in individual desktops, they just have to upgrade the virtual application within the company’s local server. Applications can be accessed from any machine, allowing your employees to work from home or on the go if they choose to. Things to consider Before you start deploying app virtualization solutions, you need to have a stable network connection so users can smoothly stream apps. Note that some apps like antivirus programs are difficult to virtualize since they need to be closely integrated with your local OS. Virtualizing a workplace is no easy task, and that’s where we come in. If you’re convinced that your company can benefit from app virtualization, get in touch with our IT experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Hyperconvergence: IT for SMBs
Routers, switches, modems, gateways, firewalls, servers, and storage devices — these are just some of the many machines you need to build a network infrastructure that enables effective internal and external communications. Even when pared down to serve fewer users, the costs of building a similar infrastructure were prohibitive for SMBs, at least until hyperconvergence came along. What is a hyperconverged infrastructure? In a traditional IT environment, hardware for networks, servers, and storage had to be purchased separately and set up to work together as one cohesive system. Later, manufacturers started offering converged systems — pre-built “stacks” of hardware that work together right out of the box and come with advanced management tools and tech support. Now, hyperconverged infrastructure packs the entire stack into one box and lets everything be managed via a single interface. Not only is this box more affordable and easier to use, it can also be used as building blocks — just add more boxes as your business grows. In a word, hyperconverged infrastructure allows enterprise-level IT solutions to be scaled down for SMBs. Let’s take a closer look at how it can benefit your business. Software-centric computing streamlines upgrades Putting everything you need into a single box and then wrapping that box with a flexible and adaptable management software makes receiving regular patches and updates more convenient. Restructuring or adding more hardware later is also easier than ever before. Unified administration Hyperconvergence consolidates a number of separate functions and services into one piece of technology. Whoever is managing your network can tweak storage, cloud, backup, and database settings from one place. Simple scalability Different hyperconvergence boxes come in different sizes and capabilities; and all it takes to scale up is to install additional units based on your forecasted needs. If all you need is a little extra, then purchase a smaller upgrade. But when you’re expecting rapid growth, a bigger box will ensure that your IT infrastructure expands with your business. More than this, hyperconverged boxes make for faster deployment of IT services to remote offices as well. Stronger data protections Complexity is the Achilles’ heel of IT networks. Staying on top of a mounting pile of account management settings, malware definitions, and data storage settings is almost impossible. But, with a hyperconverged infrastructure, your servers and virtual machines aren’t built like a hodge-podge of third-party services with separate security vulnerabilities — they form an all-in-one service. Keep in mind that while hyperconvergence is simpler than most virtualization solutions, rarely is it simple enough to be handled by in-house IT departments of SMBs. A managed services provider is better equipped to handle the growth and evolution brought about by the benefits of hyperconvergence. The better your technology, the faster you can make changes. And the faster you can accommodate your shifting needs, the less downtime you experience. Call us today to find the hyperconverged system that best fits your business. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Choose from these 5 virtualization options
Keeping up with tech trends as a small- or medium-sized business owner is tough. Virtualization is a great example of this. From the boost to network security and ability to scale your workstations and servers according to your business growth, it’s time to start learning more about it. One of the first steps towards virtualizing your business is picking a software provider, and you can pick one from this list of the five most prominent virtualization platforms. VMware Any conversation about virtualization for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) usually starts around VMware. VMware is the company that really put office virtualization on everyone’s action item list. The company offers a number of different solutions for different-sized businesses with a wide variety of needs. Its ease of use and robust security features have secured its reputation as one of the best options for virtualization for SMBs. Citrix The average user may not recognize the company name but probably knows their popular remote access tools, GoToMyPC and GoToMeeting. Citrix has specifically geared their virtualization software XenApp, XenDesktop, and VDI-in-a-box toward SMBs and even claims that non-IT staff can easily manage and administer the services. They even provide a free trial to prove it. Microsoft Although it may be a little more difficult to manage without an in-house or outsourced IT staff, Microsoft’s Hyper-V option is hard to ignore, considering its integration with the popular cloud platform Azure. Whether you’re a Microsoft loyalist or you just want to minimize the number of vendors in your network, Hyper-V offers everything you need from a virtualization service. Oracle Specializing in marketing software, Oracle also offers database management, cloud storage, and customer relationship management software. If you’re using any of their services already, there could be benefits to enlisting their virtualization services as well. Oracle does everything — server, desktop, and app virtualization — and they believe that consolidating all of these into one solution is what sets them apart. Amazon Since we’re on the topic of household names, let’s talk about Amazon’s EC2 platform, which hosts scalable virtual private servers. The ability to scale and configure capacity is definitely EC2’s biggest draw for SMBs preparing for the possibility of rapid growth. Although almost any virtualization service is rooted in scalability, Amazon is leading the pack in how quickly and finely you can adjust your solution to your individual needs. Virtualization is a really hard topic for most SMBs to tackle. This list only covers the most popular vendors, and there are plenty more out there. Choosing one based on its application possibilities and management requirements is not a subject for the lighthearted. Get in touch with us today so we can break down all of the technobabble into easy-to-understand advice. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Quick Guide to Virtualization as a DR plan
Although many business owners think that Virtualization and Disaster Recovery (DR) are two separate services, the former can actually be used as a legitimate solution to the latter. Here’s how it works, along with some pointers to keep in mind should you choose virtualization as your disaster recovery plan. Unlike tape backups, Virtualization restores your entire system in four hours or less by recovering your backed up servers, operating systems, and applications via the internet. This means you’ll lose fewer critical files due to minimal downtime and can resume normal operations promptly. While the speed of virtualized backups might sound alluring, there are a few key points you should be aware of before moving forward. Backup location for critical data – Where do you want your critical resources to be stored? Do you want it stored on tapes, disk technologies, or virtualized servers? Even if you choose virtual machines as your main backup plan, it’s highly recommended to back up your critical data on multiple sources to lower data loss risks and ensure fast recovery. Data to be backed up – If you decide to back up your critical data on virtual machines, you should figure out which data you want to store and designate specific virtualized servers to store them. In case a disaster does happen, you’ll know immediately where your backups are and can retrieve your data quickly to get your business up and running again fast. Systems to be virtualized – You should also identify and back up critical applications that’s necessary for your business’s operations, such as email, Microsoft Office programs, and other in-house applications. Once identified, you should remember to virtualize and store them off-site for seamless disaster recovery when your local servers fail. If you choose Virtualization as part of your Disaster Recovery solution, make sure your backups are monitored regularly so they’re up-to-date in the event of a disaster. Besides Disaster Recovery, there are many other benefits to Virtualization. Your business can reduce the amount of servers and other hardware in your office, lower electricity expenses, spend less time maintaining on-site servers, and save money in the process. Consider Disaster Recovery as a nice bonus that’s included with these benefits. Curious to learn how else Virtualization can benefit your business? Interested in a dedicated Disaster Recovery solution? Call us today and discover how our experts can protect your organization and save you money. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Virtualization security risks & management
While virtualization security is often viewed as an afterthought, it is nevertheless important. Like all technology, securing your virtualized infrastructure is vital to your business’s success. Let’s take a look at some of the security risks posed by virtualization and how you can manage them. Security risks of virtualization Complex infrastructure – Much like virtualization itself, the infrastructure of a virtualization solution can oftentimes be confusing to small businesses. In fact, the complex configuration alone can be a big headache for it’s more difficult to spot anomalies and unusual events happening in your virtual machines and network. Dynamic design – Virtualized environments are dynamic by nature and constantly changing. Unlike adding physical equipment, the addition of virtual machines can go almost completely unnoticed as they’re created in a matter of minutes and aren’t visible in your workspace. The danger here is the age old adage, “out of sight out of mind.” And if you add too many, they can easily become difficult to manage and protect, creating security holes in the process. Quick moving workloads – As your virtualized infrastructure grows, there will come a time when you need to move data from one machine to another. While this may sound harmless, the real issue is that your virtual machines will likely require different levels of security. And when you’re juggling multiple workloads over multiple virtual machines, you may accidentally move mission critical data to a machine that has minimal protection. How to mitigate risks While these three risks may sound alarming, they can all be mitigated. The key behind effectively securing your virtual machines all comes down to process. Put some thought into your security processes and then implement them. Here are a few areas to cover: Organization – Decide how and where to separate your test, development, and production virtual machines. Audit – Develop a system to regularly audit your virtual machine security. Whenever possible, use tools to automate your security checks, balances, and processes. Patches – Perform regular security maintenance to ensure the patches are up-to-date for all virtual machines. Overflow management – Create a system to monitor all your virtual machines, identify what each of them is used for, and manage them accordingly. Responsibility – Designate an IT technician to watch over your virtual machines to ensure zero security gaps.If you prioritize proper management of your virtual machines, security doesn’t have to be an issue. Get in touch with us if you’re interested in getting additional assistance for your virtualized infrastructure or if you’re planning to implement a new virtualization solution. Call us today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
5 types of virtualization defined
For many businesses, managing and maintaining their entire hardware and software infrastructure can be a daunting and prohibitively expensive task. But with virtualization, this is no longer an issue. Virtualization allows businesses to maximize the use of their IT resources at a reduced cost — this is why it has become so popular in the past few years. While there are many different types of virtualization on the market, it’s best to choose the one that fits your needs. Here, we give you an overview of five virtualization methods and how they can prove useful for your business. Application virtualization This is a process where applications are virtualized and delivered from a server to the end user’s device, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. So instead of logging into their computers at work, users will be able to gain access to the application right from their device, provided an Internet connection is available. This is particularly popular for businesses that require the use of their applications on the go. Desktop virtualization Similar to application virtualization mentioned above, desktop virtualization separates the desktop environment from the physical device and configured as a “virtual desktop infrastructure” (VDI). One of the biggest advantages of desktop virtualization is that users are able to access all their personal files and applications on any PC, meaning they can work from anywhere without the need to bring their work computer. It also lowers the cost of software licensing and updates. Maintenance and patch management are simple, since all of the virtual desktops are hosted at the same location. Hardware virtualization Perhaps the most common type of virtualization today, hardware virtualization is made possible by a virtual machine manager (VM) called the “hypervisor”. The hypervisor creates virtual versions of computers and operating systems and consolidates them into one large physical server, so that all the hardware resources can be utilized more efficiently. It also enables users to run different operating systems on the same machine simultaneously. Network virtualization Network virtualization combines all physical networking equipment into a single, software-based resource. It also divides available bandwidth into multiple, independent channels, each of which can be assigned to servers and devices in real time. Businesses that would benefit from network virtualization are ones that have a large number of users and need to keep their systems up and running at all times. With the distributed channels, your network speed will increase dramatically, allowing you to deliver services and applications faster than ever before. Storage virtualization This type of virtualization is very easy and cost-effective to implement, since it involves compiling your physical hard drives into a single cluster. Storage virtualization is handy when it comes to planning for disaster recovery, since the data stored on your virtual storage can be replicated and transferred to another location. By consolidating your storage into a centralized system, you can eliminate the hassles and costs of managing multiple storage devices. Integrating virtualization into your business can be a complex and confusing process. Ideally you should enlist the help of experts to get the job done right. If you’re looking for top-quality and reliable virtualization solutions, why not get in touch with our professionals today? We’ll make your virtualization experience a quick and seamless one. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.