Server platforms Toolkit
Story: Getting real results from virtual machines
Posted by: Arthur B. (Wednesday 26 October 2005, 1:21 AM)
Me thinks that the future of virtual machines (as in virtual workspace) is in being able to function as a gadget for web-based portals. Meaning, someone connects and authenticates to a web based portal and that makes it possible to open up a virtual machine (within the web browser) in which a (not web based yet) application can do its thing.
Me also thinks that as the price for hardware and software licences goes down the business case for virtual machines (as in virtual servers) will become less attractive. Given also that, like it or not, virtual machines do add to the complexity and risk management factors by violating the proven rule: Keep It Simple, Stupid. As in: favour the option that lets you achieve the same with less components. Murphy can tell you why. On the other hand: working fallback capabilities and diversity help ensure business continuity in the longer run.
Other things to keep in mind: there are always more ways then one to achieve goals. Including options that would enable to use existing hardware for a couple of more years and just add what you're lacking in one creative way or the other..
My advise would be to know what you have overall and how it works (A), know what you need overall and working how some time from now (B), figure out at least two ways to get from A to B in a certain level of detail (because certain details matter in IT and most of those are not technical in nature), choose, plan the work, work the plan and stick to it.
If however you find along the way that things don't work out as pictured then don't be afraid to rediscover A and B again because most organizations learn the most along the way. Seldom do they get it right the first time. So build in room for such events beforehand.
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