Sunday, May 31, 2009

A Case Study of How Virtualization Can Save Your Business Money

What is a virtual machine and how is it useful to my business?

A virtual machine is simply an instance of one computer running on the hardware of another. One computer can host many virtual machines with different operating systems. i.e. Windows Vista can have Window XP, Linux and Mac virtual machines running all at one time on one computer.

Scenario:
  • One database application that requires a Windows Server for multiple users or can be installed as stand alone.
  • One traveling manager with a laptop who wants to offload some of the data entry work to a new employee.
  • One traveling employee with a laptop who needs to help the manager enter data.
  • Another employee who works on a 64 bit Vista desktop computer.
Problems:
  • The existing desktop is 64 bit Vista and it is not compatible with the database application.
  • The Vista desktop user cannot install Efax because the software is not currently compatible with 64 bit.
  • The Vista desktop cannot install the HP scanning software because the software suite is not currently compatible with 64 bit.
  • The manager and the employee are not usually in the office at the same time.
  • A new server will cost at least $1000 plus the cost of the install.
Solution:
  • Install a virtual machine on the existing Vista 64 bit desktop using an XP Home license.
  • Install the database application in standalone on the virtual machine.
  • Install remote management software on the existing Vista 64 bit desktop so the manager and employee can access the virtual machine from anywhere.
  • Install Efax and the HP scanning software on the virtual machine because they are both compatible with XP Home.
Draw Backs:
  • Only one user can be in the virtual machine at one time.
  • The Vista desktop employee has to make sure that they don’t interfere with the virtual machine.
Conclusions:
  • The manager and the new employee can now both access the database application from anywhere.
  • A temporary solution for the company has been created. The manager and new employee can work in this capacity until the budget has been met to purchase a dedicated server.
  • The Vista desktop user can now use Efax and scan files with the HP printer/scanner until 64 bit drivers have been written.

Virtual machines are very useful tools which provide a small business the flexibility to solve problems without the need to purchase additional hardware.

Technology is changing and growing every day. If you have problems give us a call. There may be an inexpensive solution just like this one that your company needs today.

Adam Bell owner of Sublime Computer Services
We Make Your Technology Work

615.942.0850
www.sublimecomp.com
adam@sublimecomp.com