Two more terms we hear getting thrown around over the past few years are Cloud Computing and virtualization. While both are helping businesses to make the most of resources and lower costs they quite different.
Simply put, virtualization is the process of simulating “virtual” versions of infrastructure resources, such as computing environments, operating systems, storage devices or network components, as opposed to creating actual or physical versions of those same resources. Virtualization allows multiple servers to run on the same piece of hardware thereby maximizing the hardware’s performance capabilities. Having multiple servers located on one machine reduces both the upfront hardware and ongoing maintenance costs.
Cloud Computing is the DELIVERY of shared resources via the internet rather than relying on a physical piece of hardware. A good every day example might be the difference in saving a document to your laptop vs. on Google Drive. In one example, you will only have access to your document while using your laptop (an individual piece of hardware.) However, you can access the document on Goggle Drive with your smartphone, laptop, tablet, a public computer etc – ANY web enabled piece of hardware.
Cloud Computing, is built on top of a virtualized server and allows businesses (or individuals like in our Google Drive example) to store and access applications and information virtually rather than relying on a physical piece of hardware thereby allowing more flexible access. Using the two together can allow you to get the most out of your IT services.
We’ll delve into the advantages of virtualization later this month . . . stay tuned! In the mean time, if you’re interested in learning how virtualization and Cloud Computing can help make your business more efficient please give us a call to discuss your needs and put together a comprehensive connectivity plan for your business.
Teltek is a Certified Avaya Business Partner, NEC Dealer, and Microsoft Partner with two locations in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. We specialize in providing one call technology support for small to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia