Why your business needs virtual servers
Virtual servers have become increasingly popular for small and medium-sized businesses due to the benefits they provide.
These include reduced costs, improved reliability, and better business continuity.
However, many businesses do not understand what a virtual server is and why they should consider implementing them into their IT solution.
Network Platforms has published a whitepaper which provides information about the different types of server solutions to simplify the topic for businesses.
What is a virtual server?
A virtual server is a server solution that is driven by software to make the best use of the hardware upon which it operates.
Each virtual server has its own operating system and software, but multiple iterations can run on a single physical server machine.
Functionally, the same solutions and tasks can be run on a virtual server as can be run on a dedicated physical server – but a virtual server allows for the more efficient use of each physical server machine by sharing its resources between multiple virtual server instances.
For example, if a business needs more resources, they will not need to purchase more hardware to support this – as would be the case with an on-site server solution.
Instead, a cloud server provider can simply allocate the business’s virtual server more resources.
The inverse is also true – if a business does not need as many resources as they are currently allocated, the server provider can scale their resources down and save the business money.
In contrast, a traditional physical server solution will waste resources whenever it is not using the full capacity of the server hardware – and businesses will have to purchase more hardware when more capacity is required.
What to consider when selecting a service provider
There are several things that you should consider when choosing a virtual server provider for your business.
Firstly, it is crucial that the provider is partnered with leading software companies.
The provider should also have the appropriate accreditations and experience, and its staff should have good credentials.
You also should ensure that the provider’s data centres are set up at different sites and have all the necessary features to ensure reliability and redundancy is up to scratch.
You should then analyse the product they are offering to ensure it is sufficient for your needs.
This includes:
- Processing capacity
- Technologies used
- Customer support levels
- Security measures
- Data policies
- Customisation options
- Value adds
It is also worth looking at trial options – not only because it will let you test the service, but it is also a sign that the provider is confident about their product.
How are virtual servers priced?
When buying virtual servers, you will need to determine how much you must pay to get the right servers for your business.
Virtual servers can range from hundreds to thousands of rand per month.
Key specifications that are worth looking at to determine which solution is right for you include storage space, storage device type, CPU cores, memory, private nodes, and the speed of uplink.
If you are uncertain which packages suit your business best, it is worth discussing the situation with a knowledgeable IT professional.
Download the whitepaper
Networks Platforms’ whitepaper expands upon the information above by providing clear and extensive instructions that are easy to understand – even if you’re not a technology-minded person.
Valuable information discussed in the whitepaper includes:
- How to know if you need a dedicated server.
- Onsite versus hosted cloud servers.
- Benefits of hosted cloud servers.
- Benefits of onsite servers.
- How cloud service providers work.
- What to consider when selecting a cloud service provider.
- How virtual servers are priced.
Get this whitepaper for free by clicking here.
About Network Platforms
Network Platforms has been connecting business since 2003 and provides a host of remote and on-site technologies designed to create effective ICT business environments.
Network Platforms’ services are tailored to help businesses grow through increased productivity, profitability and peace of mind.
Its robust network core is housed in one of South Africa’s foremost datacentres and it has three VMware environments; two in South Africa and one in London.
Contact Network Platforms today by mailing [email protected] or by calling them on 086 999 0886
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