Virtualization and cloud computing sound like unnecessary
expenses that might only apply to Fortune 500 companies with vast IT
departments and extensive data processing needs. Once you understand the
concept, though, you begin to see how moving your operations "in the
cloud" will save your business a lot of money in a few different ways.
That's because the core concept behind virtualization is the idea of taking equipment (like servers and backup drives) out of your office, and into a remote location - one with better hardware, better security and monitoring, and a team of technicians who are ready to look out for any problems. In other words, it's about taking your technology to a better place... both literally and figuratively.
But what would virtualization mean for your organization in a bottom-line way? Here are three of the biggest and most important benefits to companies:
1. Reduced hardware expenses. Because your company no longer has to buy its own hardware, you don't have to make any huge, one-time investments in things like server systems, either. Instead, your outsourced IT partner will spread those costs over a number of clients, meaning that you can get all the advantages that come with continuously replaced, top-of-the-line computing and communications equipment for a regular monthly fee. Making your technology more reliable, and your budget more predictable, is one of the biggest benefits of virtualization.
2. Lower costs for software and updates. In the same way, major software developers like Microsoft are encouraging businesses of all sizes to move into the cloud. As a result, many of the products that they traditionally offered (like Microsoft Office) are being replaced with virtual alternatives (such as Microsoft 365). These don't just allow for significant cost savings, for the same reason that virtualized hardware does, but also the ability for your team to collaborate and work together in real time across different workspaces and locations. Best of all, software updates in the cloud are handled quickly and automatically, so you never have to worry about your most important applications being out of date.
3. Better security. Do you have a team that's available to look after your hardware and software - not to mention your customers' data information - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year? If not, then you'll love the added safety and security that comes with cloud computing in virtualized systems. Why worry about your technology, when you could have a team of specialists monitoring everything at your outsourced IT partner's facility?
Virtualization and cloud computing are still new enough that a lot of business owners and executives don't fully understand them yet. You can be sure that will change in the near future, though, as more and more of them start to get a firm understanding of the immediate bottom-line benefits.
That's because the core concept behind virtualization is the idea of taking equipment (like servers and backup drives) out of your office, and into a remote location - one with better hardware, better security and monitoring, and a team of technicians who are ready to look out for any problems. In other words, it's about taking your technology to a better place... both literally and figuratively.
But what would virtualization mean for your organization in a bottom-line way? Here are three of the biggest and most important benefits to companies:
1. Reduced hardware expenses. Because your company no longer has to buy its own hardware, you don't have to make any huge, one-time investments in things like server systems, either. Instead, your outsourced IT partner will spread those costs over a number of clients, meaning that you can get all the advantages that come with continuously replaced, top-of-the-line computing and communications equipment for a regular monthly fee. Making your technology more reliable, and your budget more predictable, is one of the biggest benefits of virtualization.
2. Lower costs for software and updates. In the same way, major software developers like Microsoft are encouraging businesses of all sizes to move into the cloud. As a result, many of the products that they traditionally offered (like Microsoft Office) are being replaced with virtual alternatives (such as Microsoft 365). These don't just allow for significant cost savings, for the same reason that virtualized hardware does, but also the ability for your team to collaborate and work together in real time across different workspaces and locations. Best of all, software updates in the cloud are handled quickly and automatically, so you never have to worry about your most important applications being out of date.
3. Better security. Do you have a team that's available to look after your hardware and software - not to mention your customers' data information - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year? If not, then you'll love the added safety and security that comes with cloud computing in virtualized systems. Why worry about your technology, when you could have a team of specialists monitoring everything at your outsourced IT partner's facility?
Virtualization and cloud computing are still new enough that a lot of business owners and executives don't fully understand them yet. You can be sure that will change in the near future, though, as more and more of them start to get a firm understanding of the immediate bottom-line benefits.
Chris Slocumb is the VP Marketing for Vision Computer Solutions - one of the leading computer companies in Michigan. Founded in 1995 and based in Northville, Vision Computer Solutions' Michigan IT consultants
offer managed IT services, cloud services, IT upgrades, repair and
maintenance. Vision Computer Solutions is a Microsoft Small Business
Specialist.
