How does virtualization improve business?
Truly understanding the ins and outs of virtualization is not for the faint hearted. It’s a complicated field that is constantly evolving, but one thing mostly remains the same: its benefits. Read on for a simple recap of just a few of virtualization’s greatest advantages. More technology uptime Virtualization vendors use fancy names for the features of their technology, but behind all the technobabble are some revolutionary concepts. Take “fault tolerance” for example. When you use virtualization to pool multiple servers in a way that they can be used as a single supercomputer, you can drastically increase uptime. If one of those servers goes down, the others continue working uninterrupted. Another example of this is “live migrations,” which is just a fancy way of saying that employee computers can be worked on by technicians while users are still using them. Let’s say you’ve built a bare-bones workstation (as a virtual machine on the server), but you need to upgrade its storage capacity. Virtualization solutions of today can do that without disconnecting the user and restarting their computer. Better disaster recovery Data backups are much simpler in a virtualized environment. In a traditional system, you could create an “image” backup of your server — complete with operating system, applications and system settings. But it could be restored to a computer only with the exact same hardware specifications. With virtualization, images of your servers and workstations are much more uniform and can be restored to a wider array of computer hardware setups. This is far more convenient and much faster to restore compared to more traditional backups. More secure applications In an effort to increase security, IT technicians usually advocate isolating software and applications from each other. If malware is able to find a way into your system through a software security gap, you want to do everything in your power to keep it from spreading. Virtualization can put your applications into quarantined spaces that are allowed to use only minimum system resources and storage, reducing the opportunities they have to wreak havoc on other components of the system. Longer technology lifespans The same features that quarantine applications can also create customized virtual spaces for old software. If your business needs a piece of software that won’t work on modern operating systems, virtualization allows you to build a small-scale machine with everything the program needs to run. In that virtual space, the application will be more secure, use fewer resources, and remain quarantined from new programs. In addition to software, virtualization also encourages longer life spans of old hardware components. With virtualization, the hardware an employee uses is little more than a window to the powerful virtual machine on the server. Employee computers need only the hardware required to run the virtualization window, and the majority of the processing takes place on the server. Hardware requirements are much lower for employees and equipment can be used for several years. Easier cloud migrations There are several ways virtualization and cloud technology overlap. Both help users separate processing power from local hardware and software, delivering computing power over a local network or the internet. Because of these similarities, migrating to the cloud from a virtualized environment is a much simpler task. There is no debate about the benefits of this technology. The only thing standing between your business and more affordable, efficient computing is an IT provider that can manage it for you. For unlimited technology support, virtualization or otherwise, on a flat monthly fee — get in touch with us today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Best uses for virtual desktops
In the world of IT, there is a continuous quest to build systems with less time, funds, and effort. This is why virtualization has become so popular. One type of virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), provides a consistent desktop experience from any device. It is most helpful in the following scenarios: Healthcare In an industry where every file is sensitive, the importance of confidentiality can’t be overstated. With VDI, rules and permissions can be customized based on the individual virtual desktop. As such, every medical professional can only view patient records relevant to them. It also allows them to log into their virtualized desktop while working across a variety of locations and devices. Academic institutions By leveraging VDI, a school’s IT team can create a virtual desktop — with the necessary restrictions implemented — for each student. If each classroom has a set of workstations, students’ desktop experiences will be consistent throughout their day. Even though they’ll be using different hardware every hour or two, they’ll always see the same desktop. Companies with shift workers In most cases, shift employees don’t really need one designated computer to fulfill their task because one computer is shared by multiple users. VDI makes it easy for companies to manage several desktop accounts on fewer devices. Workers can log into any devices, access their own virtual desktop, work as they do every day, and log off at the end of their shift. Users with multiple computers Depending on the nature of work, some positions require working with several computers on a regular basis. With VDI, they can integrate desktops and maintain it across two or more devices. Field or remote staff Employees that work remotely or in the field need access to tools and applications when on the job. A secure and reliable way to do it is through VDI. A complete VDI solution makes access to a consistent desktop experience possible anytime, anywhere, and using any device. It allows your remote or field workforce to operate effectively, no matter the circumstances. Of course, these are just a few situations where VDI is helpful. Any business can enjoy security and productivity enhancements with a team of virtualization experts on call. Contact us today to find out how we can help. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Virtualization isn’t as complex as you think
Explaining the concept of virtualization is no easy task, and failed attempts to do so have left it with an undeserved reputation. We want to set the record straight about this technology’s many benefits by dispelling the four most common misconceptions. Myth #1 – Virtualization is too expensive for SMBs Many people assume that the more advanced an IT solution is, the more expensive it is to install and maintain. That’s not the case for virtualization, which is a strategy to boost hardware efficiency and cut costs. Sure, a virtual server requires more support than a traditional one, but the capacity boost means you won’t need to purchase a second server for a long time — resulting in a net reduction of hardware and IT support expenses. Furthermore, managed virtualization services usually follow a pay-as-you-go model that costs just a few bucks per hour. Myth #2 – Virtualization adds workplace complexity Most people feel comfortable with the traditional computing model — one set of hardware equals one computer — but that doesn’t mean a new model has to be more complicated. With virtualization, one “traditional” computer can run as two or more virtual computers. The technical aspects of how that’s accomplished may be confusing, but the good thing is business owners don’t need to bother with those details. Virtualization actually reduces complexity because it allows business owners to expand their IT systems whenever necessary without having to worry about hardware limitations. Myth #3 – Support is hard to come by or inconvenient You may be more familiar with The Cloud than with virtualization, but that doesn’t mean the latter is a niche technology. The value of the virtualization market in 2016 was $5.6 billion and supported by IT providers all over the country. It’s also a technology that works well with remote support, which means technicians can install upgrades or resolve issues without having to travel to your office. Myth #4 – Software licensing is more difficult There’s a misconception that if your server is running three virtual Windows 10 computers, you’ll have to jump through extra licensing hoops. In reality, virtualization follows the same licensing rules as traditional computing: one desktop, one license, which means you won’t need to rethink your software budget. It’s natural for new technologies to cause confusion, and virtualization does require a new way of thinking about IT hardware. But as long as you have certified technicians like ours on hand, everything will run smoothly. Give us a call today to find out how we can lower your hardware costs and simplify your IT support. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The lowdown on virtualization and the cloud
Virtualization and cloud computing are sometimes used interchangeably, and it’s easy to see why people confuse the two. To set the record straight, virtualization is NOT cloud computing. But these two revolutionary technologies often overlap. Virtualization Imagine a company with five servers, each assigned a single task such as storage, email, etc. If one day there were a spike in email traffic, the email server might become overwhelmed, causing it to slow down. Adding another server would remedy the issue, but it would be expensive and inefficient on days with less traffic. With virtualization software, you can combine the resources of all five of the servers in our example. So if the email server got bogged down, it could borrow resources from any of the other servers with extra capacity. The process is not as simple as it sounds, and businesses often turn to an experienced IT service provider to set up a virtualized environment. Because virtualization software can be installed on a server in your office, it is totally independent of cloud technology. Sometimes, people misunderstand the difference because the vast majority of cloud solutions use virtualization to improve their services. Cloud Computing With cloud computing, users can edit documents, save files, and interact with apps that aren’t actually on their computer. Instead, they access these items by connecting to a server via a network or internet connection. If your organization can get the information you need when you need it, you already gain a competitive edge. To carry out its purpose, a cloud platform sometimes uses several virtualized servers to provide users with a simple system that appears to be all their own, even though it’s actually shared with several other users and servers. There’s no need to purchase additional servers, and you can also save valuable office space by not having to deploy bulky equipment in-house. Obviously, scalability is critical in today’s ever-changing business conditions. What cloud computing does is make it easier to manage business tasks to maximize productivity. What’s more, it helps streamline operations as more cloud services are integrated. Businesses don’t have to worry about infrastructure maintenance because it is covered by the cloud service provider. Virtualization and cloud computing are both economical technologies that small businesses should take advantage of. If you want to see what they can do for you, give our team of experts a call today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to get virtualization working
Virtualization is available in every modern computer. It allows you to create additional virtual environments that run on your actual hardware. Sometimes, though, it won’t work right and results in errors. Here are steps to get it working properly. #1 Enable Virtualization in Your BIOS In most cases, virtualization won’t work because it’s disabled in your computer’s Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Though most modern computers support the feature, it’s often disabled by default. Thus, you should take a look to make sure it is enabled on your computer. #2 If You Don’t See It – Update Your BIOS If you don’t see an option for virtualization in your BIOS, there’s a chance the manufacturer has provided an update that includes it. This may not be the case for all machines, but it doesn’t hurt to check. To find a BIOS update, you can use the manufacturer app included with your PC or manually search the internet for it. #3 Disable Hyper-V Professional editions of Windows include a Microsoft program called Hyper-V. This is Microsoft’s own virtualization software, like Oracle’s VirtualBox or Dell’s VMware. Unfortunately, Hyper-V can hijack your computer’s virtualization privileges, blocking you from using other virtualization apps. You don’t need Hyper-V unless you really want to use it, so removing it from your computer will let your virtualization app of choice work properly. #4 Confirm Your PC Supports Virtualization If you’ve tried all the above steps and virtualization still won’t work, chances are your machine doesn’t support it. It’s worth confirming this before you give up, though. If you have an Intel CPU, download the Intel Processor Identification Utility. It’s a handy tool that helps you know features, package, intended frequencies and actual operating frequencies of your Intel processor. Those with AMD processors should download the equivalent AMD tool instead. #5 I’ve Enabled Virtualization, but… Maybe you’ve gotten virtualization to work after following the advice above, but still have issues with performance or getting a virtual machine (VM) started. Here are some other things to try: Make sure you download the right version of the operating system you want to run in a VM to avoid compatibility issues. Make sure you have enough free disk space, or your host computer could run low on space. This can cause performance problems. Ensure you have enough RAM to dedicate to the VM. Virtualization is important, easy-to-implement technology that companies of any size can take advantage of. And if you feel overwhelmed with anything related to this topic, just call us today for a quick chat with one of our certified virtualization technicians who might help you out. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The management drawbacks of virtualization
IT managers turn to virtualization to effectively scale down on cost, boost efficiency, and maximize space in their server rooms. Yet, what they didn’t expect were the drawbacks involved in this technology solution. It’s therefore essential that you’re aware of the following management issues before going all in: Backup Incorporating a robust backup system in a virtualized setting can become a huge challenge. You’d have to determine which data you want to store and how often it should be backed up. You would then have to decide whether you should back up all your virtual machines or just some vital ones that have important apps and data. In any case, you’ll be caught in a grueling battle because of the overwhelming amount of data that needs to be backed up. The only way to overcome this is to integrate a powerful backup-to-disk solution offered by a reputable managed services provider (MSP). Security Security concerns are more complicated in a virtualized setting since you have to monitor security on a couple of tiers: virtual machine security and physical host security. A compromised physical host security will affect every virtual machine running on this particular host server. Meanwhile, a compromised virtual machine will disrupt the physical server and affect every virtual machine residing on the same host. To address this, you need to set up strong network defenses — including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, antivirus software, and virtual machine security tool — and a hardened physical security system — in the form of surveillance cameras, locks, biometric scans, and security guards. Of course, if you don’t have the funds to set these up, it may make more sense to leave it to a security-conscious MSP. Monitoring Since your team has to oversee both virtual machines and physical servers to ensure that you have a fully operational environment, it does have a few pain points. First, running a monitoring software on the physical host server is likely to impact the virtual machines’ performance since it takes up valued processing power and memory. That means you’ll need to compute the resources used by your monitoring software and make sure it’s not consuming too much from your physical host server. Second, keeping tabs on your virtual machines, making sure it’s secure and running at all times, is a full-time job. So unless you have a team of professionals in-house, you’ll definitely need some help from the outside. Without a doubt, virtualization brings a lot of benefits to the table, but you have to know how it affects every aspect of your business — particularly issues involved in management. Let us show you how you can use it to its full potential. Just give us a call today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Windows Server 2019 announced
If Microsoft’s latest server software is any indication, the virtualization trend shows no signs of slowing down. The first preview of Windows Server 2019 was released in March and includes a number of features focused on IT efficiency. Let’s take a look at the most valuable updates for small businesses. Windows Server 2019 In March, Microsoft released a preview of Windows Server 2019 and announced that it will be generally available before the year is over. This will be the eighth iteration of the Windows Server operating system and will include new features to help businesses manage their network security, data storage, and administrative controls. Virtualization improvements One of the biggest changes coming to Windows Server is how application containers are created and managed. Containers make it possible to package everything an app needs to run and deliver it to desktops, regardless of a desktop’s hardware and software specifications. So if you’re using an Apple computer with almost no free hard drive space, you could run a Windows application stored in a container without any problem. Microsoft claims it can reduce the storage requirements of containers to one third of their current size with Server 2019. Additionally, the operating system will introduce new compatibilities with an open-source virtualization standard known as Kubernetes, opening up countless new possibilities for customization. Security enhancements A virtual machine is similar to a container, but instead of packaging just one application, virtual machines contain entire desktop environments that are powered by server hardware and accessible from remote workstations. Windows Server 2019 will make virtual machines even harder to penetrate, meaning that even if a cyberattacker compromised your server, the virtual machines stored on it would be protected by an additional layer of security. Microsoft is also incorporating its Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) protocols into its newest operating system. ATP has been incredibly successful at intelligently detecting and preventing cyberattacks on previous versions of Windows, and adding it to Server 2019 is a welcome addition. Virtualization is a perfect example of how IT support models are evolving. A decade ago, virtual machines and containers would have been reserved for all but the largest organizations, but today these cutting-edge technologies are both affordable and flexible enough for small businesses. The only thing SMBs need is qualified IT support. Give us a call today about upgrading your technology infrastructure. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Hypervisor security vulnerabilities
Regardless of how complex the technology, hackers always find a way to exploit it. In the past, virtualization was thought to be an extremely secure solution businesses could rely on to improve IT management and save money. But it does have exploitable vulnerabilities. Hackers can attack the hypervisor to access your systems. What is a hypervisor and what are its risks? For those who don’t know, the hypervisor is a software application that distributes computing resources (e.g., processing power, RAM, storage) into virtual machines (VMs), which can then be delivered to other computers in the network. This gives people the resources they need to run resource-intensive applications without having to rely on powerful and expensive desktop computers. System administrators can also use the hypervisor to monitor and manage VMs. This means if hackers manage to compromise hypervisor software, they’ll have unfettered access to every VM and the data stored on them. While hypervisors are generally well-protected and robust, security experts say that hackers will eventually find a bug in the software. So far, there have been limited reports of hypervisor hacks; but in theory, cybercriminals could run a program that can break out of a VM and interact directly with the hypervisor. From there, they can control everything, from access privileges to computing resources. Another point of vulnerability is the network. Since hypervisors distribute VMs via the company network, they can be susceptible to remove intrusions and denial-of-service attacks if you don’t have the right protections in place. If those attack methods aren’t possible, hackers can always break into server rooms and compromise the hypervisor directly. So what can you do to protect against these threats? Create separate VM and management networks Keeping your VM network away from your management network is a great way to keep your virtualized environment secure. If your VMs are compromised by malware, it won’t be able to affect your hypervisor. Set access privileges Ideally, only you, your system administrator, or virtualization provider should have access to your hypervisor console. This means you need to set strict access restrictions on the software to prevent unauthorized users from messing with VM settings and viewing your most sensitive data. Disable unnecessary services Off-the-shelf operating systems will have many unnecessary services and apps that increase the attack surface of your VMs. If you can’t tell which ones to disable, consult with a virtualization specialist. Pay attention to physical security Breaking in to a server room is the easiest way to compromise hypervisors, so make sure your physical servers are behind locked doors and watched over by staff at all times. Install top-notch network security tools Due to network intrusions affecting hypervisor security, installing cutting-edge firewalls and intrusion prevention systems is highly recommended. These security tools monitor network traffic for abnormal behavior to protect you from the newest exploits. Stay on top of hypervisor updates Hypervisors must be patched to defend against the latest threats. But if you’d rather spend your time on more important projects, you can always entrust the security of your hypervisors to a highly experienced and certified managed services provider, like us. Contact us today to see how we can protect your virtualized environment. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Virtual desktops vs. Containers
Even if you’re aware of virtualized containers, it’s probably difficult to explain how they differ from virtual desktops. Thankfully, all you really need to understand is whether containers are the better option for your business — and we can answer that in under ten minutes. What are virtual desktops? Imagine all you have is a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Virtual desktop technology allows you to connect those devices to a server across either the internet or your office network. Once connected to the server, your monitor will display a fully functional operating system, and your keyboard and mouse will interact with that desktop with zero lag. The server you connect to could host dozens of virtual desktops that other users access simultaneously, each with their own storage space, files, and applications. This explanation is a bit of an oversimplification. You still need computer hardware (motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc.) to connect to a virtual desktop server, but the cheapest components available will do the trick. Everything you see on your monitor is really happening on the server, the computer at your desk is just an access point. What are containers? Let’s start with an example. Envision a business that provides video production services. All of its employees spend 20% of their time editing videos in one application. That application requires a lot of computing power, but this company can’t afford to buy everyone a high-end computer for a task they spend so little time on. Other production tasks are simple and don’t require expensive hardware, so virtual desktops aren’t necessary. With containers, employees could connect to the server from their mid-range desktops and use its hardware to run the resource-hogging application. As long as your server is fast enough, employees can connect, run the application, and go back to other programs on their local computer. Aside from using server resources more efficiently, containers are also exempt from operating system limitations. If a container is stored on a Windows-based server, there’s nothing stopping a Mac computer from working with the application stored inside the container. Are virtual desktops or containers better for my business? The biggest factor when choosing between these two technologies is the nature of your work. If employees are regularly switching between half a dozen applications, it’s probably smarter to go with virtual desktops since they are more flexible and open-ended. If most of your challenges are centered around one or two programs, containers are likely the smarter choice. Every business is different, and we’ll be the first ones to admit there are cases when it makes more sense to invest in high-end employee desktops, or create a virtual desktop for that one obnoxious application. Whatever the right answer is for you, we promise to give it to you straight! Give us a call today to hear our two cents on how you could be saving money with virtualization. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Virtualization best practices for newbies
The benefits of virtualization are so significant that deciding whether to jump on board is a no-brainer. It offers centralized IT management, faster hardware resources, improved business continuity, and reduced overhead costs. But in order to experience these benefits, there are a few best practices you need to consider. Conduct an assessment Evaluating your IT environment is an important step in the implementation process. After all, you can’t just go around virtualizing everything without a plan. An IT assessment performed by an impartial managed services provider (MSP) like us helps you understand what type of virtualization solution you need. For example, if the report found that computers don’t have enough processing power to run certain apps, desktop virtualization — which consolidates operating systems and apps into a single powerful server — is an ideal solution. From there, you should be able to estimate costs and set realistic timelines for the implementation. Don’t forget about hardware Just because virtualization frees up space in your server room, does not mean hardware is no longer an issue. No matter what type of solution you opt for, the servers you use must be strong enough to support the entire company’s computing demands. This means you must take stock of your apps and their hardware requirements and make sure your server has all the processing power, RAM, network capacity, and storage necessary to run them. Underutilized servers are excellent candidates for virtualization, but purchasing new equipment may pay dividends in the long run. If you choose the latter option, ask your provider for recommendations. Chances are they’re partnered with virtualization-optimized hardware vendors that offer top-of-the-line servers. Prevent VM sprawl Virtualization allows you to deliver computing resources to workstations in your network via virtual machines (VMs), which can be created on a server in just a few minutes. While this lets you scale and provision resources quickly, there are risks if you don’t have someone regularly reviewing which VMs are worthwhile and which are outdated. You could be losing out on cost savings and efficiency benefits. When too many VMs are created, they can quickly consume all server resources and complicate licensing and asset management. To prevent sprawl, you must establish policies and restrictions for VM creation. For instance, users must have a good justification for creating a VM (e.g., testing software or provisioning apps for new users). Prioritize business continuity You must also protect the hardware running your virtual servers. Make sure to lock up server rooms and have secondary servers available in case the first one breaks down. While you’re at it, take advantage of automated backup solutions that make copies of your VMs and their files regularly. Work with experts Building and maintaining a virtual infrastructure is no simple task. That’s why you’ll want to work with a virtualization specialist who can guarantee a seamless implementation and provide ongoing management services. For more tips on virtualization, call our experts today! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.