Server Virtualisation

Server virtualisation means that the physical hardware of one server (the host) runs multiple virtual machines (the guests) at the same time. A single server is used as multiple dedicated servers. The guest operating system can be either Microsoft Windows Server or a Linux distribution.

The advantages and application possibilities are endless. To name a few:

Efficient usage of rackspace

Modern servers offer the possibility to install multiple CPU's, bigger hard disks and loads of memory, more then typically needed for one single application. Compared to different dedicated servers of average specification, a single heavy dedicated server with virtualisation technology offers the same performance, but with cost effetive maintenance, lower pricing, lower power consumption and reduced rackspace.

Isolation of applications

By placing applications such as webservers, databases, mail traffic, ftp, etc... on independent virtual servers, the fact that badly configured applications affect other applications can no longer occur. This also allows us to optimally tune the server so resources are fed to the applications where needed, something that is impossible on standalone dedicated servers.

Testing of applications

Machines placed in a production environment are best not to be used as test platforms for new software. By setting up a seperate virtual machine, new applications may easily be tested without affecting the applications in a final production environment. Setting up a new virtual machine is also quicker compared to installing and setting up a standalone dedicated server.

High Availability and failover

Virtual servers can easily be moved to other physical hardware. Hardware upgrades can be arranged without downtime. In a setup with one or more dedicated servers there is even the possibility to migrate the virtual machines from a failing server without downtime to a backup server, in case of hardware failures. This, combined with the redundant FirstServed network, means that every aspect - from server to internet connection - is made redundant, bringing your systems to a virtually unlimited uptime of your application.

Backup and disaster recovery

From within the underlying operating system a full backup of the virtual machine can be created. In case of a crash, this backup can be restored in one go to the host or another virtual server without needing a server reinstall. This offers significant advantages compared to traditional dedicated server systems, where a reinstall and reconfiguration of existing applications is often needed before files can be restored. This reduces the time needed to put a system back online after a crash dramatically.

Virtual Private Hosting

Virtual Private Hosting or Virtual Dedicated Hosting means you will be offered your own virtual machine. This is completely comparably with owning a dedicated server, but offers the price aware customer or web developer the possibility to tweak the size of the virtual server based on its needs. Because the underlying dedicated server hardware is shared with multiple customers you will save on pricing yet remain full control of your server, which is not the case with shared web hosting.

FirstServed and Server Virtualisation

FirstServed already has built up an extensive knowledge base of virtual server systems while implementing performance aimed virtual server systems with high availability. We base our solutions on the professional Citrix Xen virtualisation platform.

Contact us in order to find out what virtualisation can mean for you and your company. We would be pleased to work out an applicable configuration with you.

You may contact us by using our contact form of by telephone at +32 3 230.85.82.