The next step in virtualization begins in 2012, experts say

Over the past few years, a number of small businesses have embraced cloud computing, virtualization and other advanced networking initiatives that allow them to store their data more effectively than ever before. For example, most businesses are now using virtualization to consolidate their server space, moving files seamlessly between these storage units in a manner that makes a company’s IT adaptable to the business’ needs.

In a recent article for Windows IT Pro, Michael Otey, the president of Server Pro, a software development consulting company, discussed some of the major trends in virtualization in 2012. According to Otey, 2012 will mark the year when many businesses are able to finally move resources between hosts without experiencing the downtime that often plagues these shifts.

However, while Otey was excited about this switch, he said that using virtualization to produce a private business cloud would be the goal many IT professionals and their companies pursue this year.

“The private cloud adds the ability to create resource pools from virtualized assets, manage multiple virtual machines as a single unit or service and provide self-service capabilities and usage based resource metering,” Otey wrote. “The private cloud increases IT’s flexibility and enables it to respond to user requests more rapidly.”

Due to the fact that many businesses will be investing in these changes in 2012, business owners that want to give their staff the tools they need to be competitive should consider reaching out to a VoIP telephony system consultant that also is familiar with cloud computing. By securing the help of a consultant that can not only help with the software, but also the infrastructure requirements for this transition, businesses could ensure their partner helps them smoothly transition into 2013 and beyond.

Over the past few years, a number of small businesses have embraced cloud computing, virtualization and other advanced networking initiatives that allow them to store their data more effectively than ever before.