Virtualization can improve performance while helping with issues like business continuity and performance. What is virtualization or a virtual machine? Virtual machine technologies enable one physical server to run one or more operating systems and related applications. A virtual machine uses software and selected hardware devices to create an emulated operating environment. Both servers and desktops can be virtualized. We can emulate an entire real machine by loading all the applications in a single disk file that is controlled by a virtual machine software application such as Virtual PC 2007 or Virtual Server 2005 R2. There is no limit to the number of virtual machines that can be run other than the physical machine limitations.

Why is virtualization needed? The pressing need that will force most organizations into using virtualization is the release of Microsoft Vista. Many applications are not compatible with Vista, yet as an organization you want to take advantage of the new technology. For example, you decide to replace a computer, and find that the best option is to buy the machine with the Windows Vista operating system installed. During setup, you discover that some applications which are mission critical will not work. The cheapest solution we have found to date is to install the free Virtual PC 2007 from Microsoft and load your legal copy of Windows XP along with the needed supporting applications in their own virtual machine.

I frequently encounter clients that have some older application that they are still running. They can't upgrade their computers because the application won't run on a newer operating system. One recent situation involved an older version of Great Plains that would not run properly under Windows XP. An upgrade was planned to Dynamics GP, but that was not planned for several more months. By loading the older operating system and Great Plains in a virtual machine, a new machine could be purchased, installed and the older application could still run. In fact, it ran faster. Many applications are still not Vista compatible. However, even assuming all current applications will eventually become compatible, what about the older applications that we want to retain? These can be run on a virtual machine instead saving an old piece of hardware in the corner to "occasionally" run the application.

Why is desktop virtualization important?

1. Can run incompatible or older versions applications on Vista
2. Can upgrade to new hardware technology for greater performance and security
3. Can run demonstration software or test software without the danger of contaminating your system
4. Can save stable versions of the desktop and distribute

Our discussion to this point has revolved around the desktop, but server virtualization has an even better business case. The ability to isolate applications, to create test environments for conversions or upgrades, and to be able to quickly rebuild a server off-site for business continuity are very important business qualities. Why is server virtualization important?

1. More up time and flexibility
2. Fewer boxes to purchase and maintain
3. Less IT Staff time needed
4. Less costly and better business contingency planning

While virtualization is important, there may be some licensing issues. Many of you have purchased OEM (=pre-installed) licenses with your HP or Dell computers, and these licenses may not be transferred unless you have an Open License agreement with Microsoft. You have a limited license that can only be used on the machine you purchased with the license. You don't have a full, transferable license that allows using the operating system on another machine including virtual machines. We favor Open license agreements with software assurance as a good business strategy.

So, who are the key players?

1. Desktop
1. Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 - free - this product was originally purchased from Connectix http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/virtualpc/default.mspx
2. VMWare Workstation - http://www.vmware.com/products/ws/
3. Parallels - wildly popular on the Macintosh. This product supports Windows applications.
2. Server
1. Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/virtualserver/default.mspx
2. VMWare ESX
3. Xen on Linux (now ships preloaded in Enterprise Red Hat or SUSE)
4. Sun and IBM both have significant offerings as well

Virtualization is definitely in your future.

Randolph P. Johnston
Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises