It is now widely accepted that server virtualization is an extremely useful technology. There are many benefits to Virtualization.

•  Multiple applications and operating systems can be supported within a single physical system.
•  Virtual machines are completely isolated from the host machine and other virtual machines. If a virtual machine develops a problem then other machines are unaffected.
•  The complete virtual machine environment is saved as a single file which is easy to backup, move and copy.
•  Testing of new systems no longer requires a full testing lab of servers.

One benefit which has so far remained largely in the background when it comes to server virtualization is it's kinder to the environment than the traditional route. By using one hardware platform where traditionally three or four would be used you are automatically reducing your energy use dramatically. You can run the same tasks on fewer servers, which create less heat, which need less cooling, use less energy and there is also less of an initial hardware cost. When the time comes to dispose of the server hardware there is only one server rather than three or four.

Businesses as well as individuals have to be more environmentally responsible. The Government is under increasing pressure to force Business to be more responsible, especially through the use of technology.

IT Departments will need to be more environmentally aware in the future. Energy efficiency may not be the greatest benefit or the most obvious from virtualization but it is a real benefit that should not be ignored.