Did you know that there are over 600,000 new businesses that start up in the United States each year? However, many of these companies fail within the first few years.
As you might guess, you cannot expect your company to thrive if you do not properly manage your IT support responsibilities.
One of the most beneficial steps you can take is implementing virtual servers.
However, not everybody understands what using this type of server entails. We’ve put together a brief guide that outlines the key information you need to know about.
Let’s take a look.
What Is a Virtual Server?
As the name suggests, it is a server that exists in a virtual environment.
It is created by using virtualization software to divide a single physical server into several smaller virtual servers. Put simply, you can have multiple virtual servers running on a single physical server. They are often used for software development/testing.
Not only does this allow you to avoid taking processing power away from other tasks, but you can also have full control over the environment the software operates within. This means you can test for different use cases.
It also makes debugging much simpler. Web hosting is another common way that business owners leverage virtual servers.
What Benefits Do They Provide?
Each virtual server can run its own operating system and can be independently rebooted.
This means that if one virtual server crashes, the others will not be affected. Virtual servers are also much easier to scale than physical servers.
If you need to add more capacity, you can simply create a new virtual server. You don’t need to worry about the cost and hassle of buying and setting up new hardware.
This is one of the most important factors to consider. For example, imagine if you needed to purchase a handful of new hardware servers. This could easily cost your company thousands of dollars that could have been spent elsewhere.
As previously mentioned, having full control over the server is something that you shouldn’t overlook.
This will allow you to isolate certain applications or programs in their own environment. Having this level of control also ensures that you get the most out of your virtual server.
This is due to the fact that you can fine-tune the resources you allocate to it.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
The main downside of virtual servers is that they are more complex than physical servers. They require more technical expertise to set up and maintain. Another potential issue is that virtual servers can be less secure than physical servers.
This is because they are shared environments and if one server is compromised, the others may also be at risk. To clarify, the cybercrime industry is projected to be worth over $10 trillion by the end of 2025. This means that more criminals than ever before are looking for ways to procure sensitive business data.
Compromising access to virtual servers is one of the most lucrative ways they can do so. Having a robust security architecture is crucial to protect your company’s information.
Who Are Virtual Servers For?
Virtual servers are suitable for businesses of all sizes. They are especially beneficial for companies that need to scale up their server capacity quickly and easily. When determining whether or not you need one, consider your business needs and whether or not a physical server would be able to meet them.
If you find that your physical servers don’t have enough power on their own, a virtual server might be the answer. This is especially true if you plan on scaling in the near future.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in using virtual servers for your business, the first step is to find a reputable provider.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to decide which type of virtualization software you want to use. The provider you work with will help you determine which type of software is ideal for your needs.
Once you’ve chosen your software, you’ll need to install it on your physical server. Once that’s done, you can start creating virtual servers.
Finally, you’ll need to set up security measures to protect your virtual servers from being compromised.
This includes setting up firewalls and taking other steps to ensure that only authorized users can access your servers. It’s worth noting if your business resides in Southern California that hiring a Los Angeles managed service provider will allow you to delegate all these responsibilities to them instead.
What Should I Look For in an Outsourced Tech Support Provider?
It’s crucial that you look for a provider that has a strong reputation. It’s also advisable to find a local IT support company for the fastest response time to any issues that may arise.
There should be plenty of positive feedback from previous clients. Fortunately, a brief Google search can also tell you everything that you need to know. As you might guess, it’s also imperative that you hire someone experienced.
Although newer firms won’t always fall short of your goals, they likely won’t be able to provide the same outstanding level of service. It’s also likely that they have fewer tools and resources at their disposal.
Finally, be sure to choose someone you feel comfortable communicating with. They should be more than willing to help you manage your needs and go above and beyond to provide stellar results.
Understanding Virtual Servers Is Easier Than It Seems
Be sure that you keep the above information about virtual servers in mind. This will help ensure that you make the best decision when it comes to hiring server management services.
Want to learn more about what we can do? Let the Be Structured Technology Group help you with all IT services in Los Angeles.
Be sure to reach out to us today and see how we can help you.
