Virtualisation offers alternative to cloud storage

Virtualisation is similar to cloud computing but physical hardware will remain on site in an aim to offer more internal control over firm computing. Virtualisation can be installed in a variety of forms. This includes desktop virtualisation, storage virtualisation and server virtualisation.

Desktop virtualisation means software running on a desktop will be run on one mainstream server as opposed to each machine being worked on. Software and information can also be accessed online.

A survey of large companies by technology provider Citrix showed 55 per cent expected to adopt desktop virtualisation for the first time in the next two years, while 86 per cent said security was the primary reason for the transition.

Small businesses were prominent with 70 per cent of those surveyed considering implementation.

Darren Thomson, chief technology officer for Symantec, said: “Essentially there are two key benefits to virtualisation that make it such an attractive proposition, particularly to the small business user: cost reduction and agility.

“Reducing the need to purchase expensive hardware, or the time required to maintain it, is clearly a welcomed benefit to any sized organisation, especially in the wake of the current economic climate.”

He added: “Some of these may offer huge benefits to your business, but others may introduce unnecessary risks. Education is key, and before jumping into the concept of virtualisation, an IT manager must be sure that what they are adopting is appropriate and valuable to their business.”

Adrian Murphy, associate partner of Ayrshire-based Murphy Financial, said he was moving away from having internal hardware. He said for a small firm it made no sense to have its own server.

Mr Murphy said: “We do not have any desktop applications any more. The only thing we need a server for at the moment is document storage and email, we also use Intelligent Office which lets us keep all client documentation on their servers. We are in the process of moving over to Apple’s cloud, including hosting and backups.”

Mr Murphy explained the move away from servers was due to cost, adding: “Servers are not cheap. If we have multiple sites it makes it a lot easier to have everything stored remotely. We have concerns about security but we have done due diligence at every step.”

The firm said that researching costs and benefits thoroughly before implementing new systems was important, and while Mr Murphy said virtualisation was a good option, the firm had opted for cloud-based technology.

He said: “All our client data is safe and we know where it is stored and how it is stored. We are well down the road to being entirely cloud-based by next year. Some of the changes are cosmetic, some can make a lot of sense, some make cost sense. The options with technology are endless.”