Business continuity

Virtualisation is a proven software technology that is rapidly transforming the IT landscape and fundamentally changing the way that people compute. Most virtualisation projects in the SME sector are focused on one of three areas; Server Virtualisation, Application Virtualisation and Desktop Virtualisation.

 

Virtualisation technology and solutions are also being applied to such areas as Storage Virtualisation, Network Virtualisation and Security Layer Virtualisation.

 

Todays powerful x86 computer hardware was designed to run a single operating system and a single application. This leaves most machines vastly underutilised. Virtualisation lets yu run multiple virtual server machines on a single physical machine, sharing the resources of that single computer across multiple environments. Diferrent virtual machines can run different operating systems and multiple applications on the same physical computer.

 

Server virtualisation uses software such as VMware, Citrix XenServer or Microsoft Virtual Server to transform or "virtualise" the hardware resources of an x86-based computer-including the CPU, RAM, hard disk and network controller - to create a fully functional virtual machine than can run its own operating systems and applications just like a "real" computer.

 

Each virtual machine contains a complete system, eliminating potential conflicts. Virtualisation works by inserting a thin layer of software directly on the computer hardware or on a host operating system. This contains a virtual machine monitor or "hypervisor" that allocates hardware resources dynamically and transparently. Multiple operating systems run concurrently on a single physical computer and share harware resources with each other.

 

By encapsulating an entire machine, including CPU, memory, operating system, and network devices, a virtual machine is completely compatible with all standard x86 operating systems, aplications, and device drivers. You can safely run several operating systems and applications at the same time on a single computer, with each having access to the resources it needs when it needs them.

 

Application Virtualisation Application Virtualisation enables applications to be delivered to the client devices and run in a protected, virtual environment. Applications are managed in a centralised application hub, but are streamed to the users machine and run in an isolated environment. Applications become an on demand service that is always available and up to date. Caching technology makes the application available even when not connnected to the network.

 

Application Virtualisation can help your business reduce cost, ensure security and increase user, IT, and business performance and productivity. This is achieved by delivering secure application access from any location and to any device, while maintaining the benefits of centralised application management and scalability.

 

Cost effective application virtualisation solutions from Citrix, Microsoft and VMware allow SME's to take advantage of these benefits.

 

Desktop Virtualisation delivers virtual desktops as a service to users anywhere. Users can access their virtual desktops and applications across any network and device, and by implementing a infrastructure you can reduce desktop management TCO up to 40 percent by centralizing virtual desktop in the datacenter and simplifying the traditional desktop lifecycle.