VMs are software environments that act like fully independent computers within an existing hardware system. They utilize a piece software called hypervisor to separate hardware resources such as memory, CPU and storage. A virtual machine can then operate a different OS for instance, Windows for business applications or Linux for software development.
Using virtual systems reduces the chance of system failure and allows you to quickly restore your data back to a earlier point in time. You can also test and deploy both old and new applications in a sandbox to ensure that they function as expected, without disrupting production.
The ability to deploy multiple VMs on the same physical server means you need less equipment as well as lower capital and operational costs. It also eliminates duplicate or backup systems and reduces the amount of data you need to maintain. And, with cloud-based VMs it’s easy to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection and eliminate the need for offsite backup locations.
A VM can be used on any hardware that meets your requirements for performance, including desktops and servers. Each Hypervisor has pros and cons that are vital for small companies. The most popular option is VMware vSphere that comes with ESX/ESXi. It is a business-ready option that comes with enhanced security hosts with up to 6 TB of RAM and 128 vCPUs. It also provides role-based accessibility, extensive logging, and auditing. Another option that is in high demand is Microsoft Hyper-V. It is cheaper and simpler to manage than vSphere but provides the same capabilities.