The growing demand for global connectivity and worldwide business operations has lead to the need for drastic new improvement to the technology required for any good business to thrive. Keeping that in mind, one must consider that fact that while the possibilities for growth and expansion of business and commerce are limitless, the manpower and physical space available for such pursuits is sadly finite. In holding true with the ever-inventive and persevering nature of humanity, technology and those who wield it are constantly seeking new and more effective ways to manage both the procedures and applications employed in day to day business and to provide more storage and maintenance options for the technical aspects of information management.

A process that has seen an overwhelming upsurge in development and application is a method of information management known as virtualization. Now, the generic definition of virtualization is the creation of a virtual (versus actual) version of anything, be it tangible or intangible – think virtual reality without the video game stigma. With the current advances in IT, essentially anything can be converted to a virtual format: storage devices, operating systems, applications, networks and even servers. The opportunities are nearly endless, and the benefits of employing such methods can be seen immediately.

Storage virtualization is simply the transfer of information or resources from several devices into a single digital location, which can be more easily managed – and more easily protected. This serves not only to eliminate the need for physical storage space, but also to consolidate any and all available information into a central location. Virtual storage also allows for increased date security and backup, since maintaining data in a single location makes information easier to track and secure. Similar ideas apply to server virtualization. The creation of a virtual server negates the need for rooms full of machinery and lengthy installations and repairs. This also makes the process of introducing a new server much more effective and less intrusive. Recovery in the case of system failure or major disaster is also made much easier, as virtual systems can be backed up at a separate location.

The use of network virtualization has skyrocketed in recent years as well. The basic idea behind this is that network complexity is masked by a more simplified method of handling system resources. The available resources on a network are combined, and the bandwidths are divided into separate channels, allowing for individual management and movement between servers or storage devices. This also allows changes in servers and storage to be reflected in real time.

On a more personal level, the implementation of desktop virtualization has drastically changed the way users interact with the applications and systems used in work and business. Improvement in user interfacing can lead to a more productive working environment and promote the use of available resources and applications that may have seemed cumbersome or inefficient when used as wholly separate processes.

So, while business, commerce and the world culture are constantly growing and evolving, the IT experts must stand ready to answer the needs of a culture that depends deeply on technology and the opportunities it provides. The digital world seems to be endless (for the time being), so in order to preserve the physical, we must reach out to the virtual world.

Author Bio: Lawrence Reaves is a strong believer in Gaithersburg IT services such as Gaithersburg virtualization and Gaithersburg enterprise storage. For these services, Lawrence recommends PLANIT Technology Group, which can be found online at: PLANITTech.com .

Category: Computers and Technology
Keywords: virtual storage,storage virtualization,virtual server,storage space,storage devices,physical storage