10 reasons to go virtual with Linux

Powerful, rapidly evolving Linux applications offer a way to reduce IT costs by deploying inexpensive software solutions on standards-based hardware platforms. But if each application requires a dedicated server, the cost benefits are lost. 

As a solution, companies are turning to 'virtual environment software.’ Virtualization software creates multiple virtual servers on a single server. Each virtual server can host a different operating system and appears to the software as a complete hardware system. Such a solution has then benefit. 

1. Fewer wasted resources

Some applications are I/O intensive but require little CPU. Others utilise the CPU intensively, but require little I/O.Pairing such applications in virtual environments means both get the power they need without wasting resources.

2. Lowered risk of downtime

In traditional operating environments, each new application brought online introduces additional risk of downtime. In a virtualized environment, failure in one virtual server is isolated and contained. In addition, a virtual server can be more quickly restarted than in a traditional environment.

3. Greater flexibility

A change in the application mix no longer means acquiring a new server. Bringing up a new virtual server is just a matter of creating an additional virtual server and installing the appropriate operating system and application. 

4. Less disruptive administration

In a virtualized environment, it is no longer necessary to shut down servers to add more memory or upgrade a CPU. A command shifts resources from one application to another – and you can shift resources as required over the course of a day to support required response times. 

5. Power of choice

Through virtualization, you can run several operating systems on the same server, which means you can choose the mix of applications and operating systems that make sense for your environment.Virtualization enables applications to be grouped on a smaller set of servers while preserving the benefits of dedicated environments. 

6. Manage remote-officeadministration

Software management tools work with virtualization for more efficient and cost-effective resource management and staff utilisation.For example, a small, centralised department can manage resources throughout the enterprise, bringing up and shutting down virtual servers to meet changing workloads. 

7. Less heat generated, less power required

Web service applications often require dedicated environments to ensure security. But in many cases, the workload generated by a single application is small. Virtualization enables multiple applications to be grouped on a single server.So, hosting multiple applications on the one server can cut down heat generation, and the consumption of power and other resources. 

8. Greater control of IT infrastructure

HP offers an extensive array of server virtualization solutions for the Adaptive Enterprise. Theseinclude Virtual Server Environment for Integrity servers including HP Serviceguard and HP Global Workload Manager, and HP ProLiant Essentials Virtual Machine Management Pack. 

For example, HP Virtual Server Environment (VSE) for HP Integrity servers helps enterprises to optimise server resource utilisation in real-time based on business priorities. Using a set of software tools, the environment creates virtual servers that can automatically grow and shrink based on the service level objectives set for each application they host. 

9. Quick recovery 

HP Serviceguard monitors virtual servers throughout the enterprise and provides application availability. HP Serviceguard solutions protect mission-critical applications from hardware and software failures. If a software problem brings down a virtual server, HP Serviceguard can restore the virtual server quickly. And in the event of a hardware failure, Serviceguard can automatically restart the virtual servers on a different machine. 

10. Efficient load balancing

HP's Global Workload Manager (gWLM) for HP Integrity servers is an intelligent policy engine that monitors service levels in real time.Even better, it automatically adjusts server resource allocation when needed.GWLM can balance virtual server resources across hundreds of distributed servers. 

In today's rapidly changing business environment, IT departments need to react quickly to changing requirements, tightly control IT resources spread through the enterprise, and minimise expenses. Virtualization helps you address these requirements efficiently and quickly.

Source: http://www.hp.com