With companies looking to upgrade their aging IT infrastructure the question often asked is, “Should I buy new hardware or virtualize my network?” Virtualization is making waves in how businesses approach their IT, and for good reason. Some virtualization software offers consolidation of existing hardware by up to a 10:1 ratio, allowing companies to focus resources in other areas. Yet some companies still opt to go the route of physical hardware. Virtualization has its pros and cons, and a company should look in some key areas to understand its benefits.
- Application Support – It is important to make sure that the application running your business can function in a virtual environment. Opting for a hardware solution allows for the freedom to buy multiple servers for each application, which is expensive for some companies but is sometimes the only option.
- Size – Virtualization is great for companies that require multiple servers and use many different operating systems, but if your company is running off a smaller network, the positives of virtualization may not outweigh the initial investment. For smaller companies, it would be more efficient to maintain a smaller network than transitioning over to virtualization.
- Support – Do you have the resources to handle virtualization? For the companies that might not have the financial means to fund the ongoing support necessary for virtualization, sticking to a system that has been working could also be considered.
While the benefits of virtualization are quite clear, it is not a one size fits all approach. Tailoring a virtual or desktop solution for any business is something best left to industry professionals. Penn Systems Group can help your business decide which direction is in your best interest and have the expertise to implement any upgrades. Call us and our staff can answer any questions you might have.