virtualization and cloud computing - Orange Business Services

Currently, most of the software we use is installed on our computers, and our files (photos, videos, documents, etc.) are stored on hard drives. This is the case both at home and at work.
Some companies have already consolidated certain software programmes and data on centralised servers in an effort to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Going one step further, cloud computing centralises all software programmes and data using digital hosts for multiple customers through the Internet. This technology has several repercussions:

• All software that we currently purchase, install, and update will be accessible online, from any device connected to the Internet (PC, laptop, telephone, PDA, etc.) at any time.
• Our personal data will be remotely stored and accessible at any time, with no risk of loss or pirating.
• Companies can reduce the number of servers they need, while remotely accessing some applications that previously had to be stored on site.

It's been said over and over again that there's no difference between the administration of a physical server and a virtual machine - and this is true in an absolute sense. However, this might give us the idea that a virtualised datacentre is administered in the same way as a physical environment; thinking like this leads us to the first pitfall of virtualisation. Especially when dealing with large-scale virtualisation projects, we need to rethink network uses (workflows, operating procedures) and reposition IT professionals so that they can provide the best technical expertise in these new technologies.

Network uses
It's true that virtualisation facilitates the repeated use of the infrastructure. The most striking example is the ability to set up several virtual machines with only one template. In just a few minutes and only 5 mouse clicks, a new (virtual) server that's fully operational and in line with company standards can be set up.