The process of server consolidation can be done in many ways, namely:-
Different server operating systems can be put into one server.
Similar workloads carried out in different servers can be put into one single server.
Various applications can be combined into one server.
Server consolidation benefits
The main advantage in server consolidation is that servers are better managed than before. Their resources are fully utilised and this results in cost savings to data centre managers. They need not buy new servers. They can even do without some of their existing servers. Idle servers are thus eliminated. There is more space in the data centre, which means less maintenance costs.
Since server resource utilisation is done to the server' s fullest potential, there is more productivity. A single server can be used for various requirements. This means better return on investment in server systems.
Server virtualisation
The process of server consolidation involves making considerable changes to data, applications and server configurations. Such changes are difficult to understand by the average user. This situation can be smoothened out by server virtualisation or virtual server consolidation.
Server virtualisation masks the intricacies of server resources from general users, while retaining the server consolidation benefits of maximum resource utilisation and resource sharing.
It is implemented by separating the functional aspect of servers from the physical platform used to carry out their functions. Virtualisation involves the use of tools such as resource management software, partitions and virtual machines. Through server virtualisation multiple dominant workloads can be performed at the same time, on large servers.
Server virtualisation benefits
The benefits of server virtualisation are far reaching. Server resource utilisation is most efficient because of the flexibility available in matching workloads with physical resources.
Increase in workloads can be handled smoothly. Server' s resources can be utilised according to requirements of time, cost and service levels. In short, server virtualisation can completely change the way a data centre carries out its activities and functions.
Server consolidation versus Virtual server consolidation
Server consolidation cuts the number of operating environments to be managed by administrators. It eliminates unnecessary software, which means licensing costs are reduced and time needed to maintain software is reduced.
Virtual server consolidation benefits server administrator a lot and it enhances their productivity. It cuts down the number of physical servers in use, but does not affect the operating environments in use, which remains the same and even grows. Thus, the reduction in operational costs, seen in server consolidation, is not found here.
Companies keen on doing server consolidation should note the benefits and drawbacks of server consolidation and server virtualisation before taking them up.