Servers: Time to move to Virtual Machines

Many businesses have embraced remote working solutions for their employees, issues around data security, productivity and communication have all been overcome through an effective combination of software and hardware solutions.

So why not implement a similar mindset to the business as a whole?

Many organisations cling on to their existing in-house infrastructure for the same reasons that initially prevented them from implementing a hybrid working environment.

Fear of change can keep us clinging on to legacy systems that ‘still get the job done’ but limit the business’s growth and competitive edge.

Data Security

Data security is often cited as the main reason why customers are averse to making the leap to a virtual system.

Clients have become used to the fickleness and patchy reliability of their physical servers and fear that moving the data to an off-site virtual server could make things even worse.

In truth, many of the issues that afflict an on-site server (hardware malfunctions, delays for parts and technicians) are greatly reduced and even eliminated with a virtual server setup.

Just like with a hybrid workplace, a virtual server will not only allow more reliable and efficient access to company data, but it will decrease downtime thanks to a far more robust setup.

Making the move

Once you have made the move to a virtual server setup, it isn’t only increased data security that makes the change worthwhile.

With a locally-based server, when a component fails your entire system may be off line until the required part is sourced and installed.

With a virtual server, critical files can be moved over to a new host while repairs are undertaken, eliminating any interruptions and enhancing productivity.

Replacing a completely failed server is also far easier and quicker when it is not physically based at the business premises.

If your business grows and you need to upgrade your hardware, it could mean days of interrupted work until everything is up and running.

Scaling up a virtual system takes a fraction of the time, often with no impact on usability. This sort of reliability can often make a big difference at crucial moments when downtime could mean lost business down the line.

Yes, but tell me about some practical benefits

We have assisted many clients in the transition to virtual servers, from the inevitable hesitancy and uncertainty that comes with any big change, they all went on to appreciate the benefits that came with the move.

As a practical example, an accountancy practice we worked with were having trouble with their server which necessitated regular technician call outs and wasted hours trying to get it working properly.

Their employees couldn’t effectively work from home and the company director was having to resolve issues during business hours. Hardly an efficient way to go about things.

Bespoke Solutions

After assessing their needs, we offered a virtual server solution that would eliminate their recurring downtime issues and provide reliable access to their data regardless of the location.

Weeks after the change the improvements to productivity were significant.

Employees could now reliably access the system using Azure Virtual Desktop, regardless of where they were based. This all aided workflow and team communications, while response times to clients had also improved too.

The Virtual Reality

This is by no means an isolated example, and the move to a virtual server should definitely be a case of ‘when’ not ‘if’.

Solutions like these can be implemented for just about any business type and the benefits are there to be seen from day one.

If enhanced productivity, stress-free scalability and reliability are what you want from your server setup, then give us a call and we can tailor a bespoke solution for your company.

For more information contact Sleepless here.