Virtualization is the partitioning of a physical server into several virtual servers. These virtual servers can then be used as either independent machines or be linked-up and used as a single entity.

Of course, the most common reason for the implementation of virtualization is to have the choice of various servers with different operating environments that could also include various operating systems and application versions.

Businesses and companies use virtualization to cut their costs when it comes to hardware expenses and to cut down on other utility bills – as we will see – as well as to make it all easier to manage.

But, if you are a small business owner and are wondering how virtualization can help you, here are few reasons for you to take into consideration:

Handle Outdated Technology: every business has an application that has been around for ages – it gets the job done, and everyone in the office loves it.

But, time passes by and the operating system or hardware becomes outdated, you are left with one of two choices: either cough-up the money, and pay, for a newer version of the application (and then consider the additional expenses for installation, data migration, etc.) or simply create a virtual server or environment and have the old application continue to run on it.

The same applies to old hardware: if you have a computer or server sitting gathering dust, you can install a virtual operating system on them or use them as thin-client computers.

Save On Server Expenses: an average small business will have at least two servers (or high-end computers) used for storing data. As the business grows, so too does the need for larger storage devices.

Now, when faced with such a situation, instead of going out and purchasing a couple of new servers – and then paying the exorbitant prices for setup, software maintenance and other running costs – you can get one mid-sized server, create as many virtual servers as you require on it and proceed to use them all together in perfect harmony.

Create Your Own Sterilization Environment: viruses and malware can have a devastating effect on your data and your network. If your business involves accessing files that have been sent in from clients or other unverifiable sources, you may want to access or open them in one of your virtual servers before allowing them to be used or accessed on your production environment.

If the files are infected they will only affect the virtual server, which you can then clean up or, if all fails, simply restore to a point before the virus/malware infection.

Alternatively, you can use the virtual server to access the internet securely (or wantonly) without letting any malware compromise your network – again, in case of infection, just restore to a previous point before the infection.

A Test Server: if you are looking into buying a new software package that doesn’t run on your current operating systems or if it requires a special configuration, for example, you can use your virtual server.

Play around and experiment with the software-server collaboration until you find the optimal configuration which works for you.

If required, you can keep the new software running on the virtual server for good.

Diversify Your Operating Systems: although some experts swear by having a uniform operating system usage throughout a network because, they say, it makes it easier for all the hard- and software to interact with one another, you really shouldn’t be locked down by one operating system vendor.

No single operating system manufacturer can provide you with a 100% solution to all your business process requirements. Therefore, install different operating systems on your virtual servers and you will be able to have the better of two (or more) worlds.

Increase Your Uptime: one critical advantage of using virtual servers emanates from the fact that although they are on one physical server, they run independent of one another and do so as if they relied on separate hardware resources. This cuts the downtime of your servers during your maintenance periods.

While you work on one virtual server, the others can continue to run without being affected whatsoever. This means, you can actually do your maintenance on your live (production) environment without your clients’ user-experience being affected.

Get Closer To Cloud Computing: everywhere you go, it seems, the talk is about how cloud computing is the “in” thing. Everyone is doing it, and if you aren’t, you are considered to be technologically-backward and need some catching up to do.

Fortunately, you don’t need to jump straight into it. You can first move everything to your virtual servers and turn your real-life hardware and servers into an abstract layer.

Once you are comfortable with your virtual environment, the next step to the cloud shouldn’t be as daunting a task or one that will need too much getting used to, once it is in place.

Go Green: by making use of virtual servers and packing them into as few physical servers as possible, your business will be able to cut down on electricity and cooling expenses while conserving energy. You will also be playing a big part in conserving natural resources and ensuring a healthier planet.

So there you have it, virtualization isn’t such a bad idea after all, is it?