There are numerous benefits to virtualization that make it attractive to businesses, but the initial rollout of a virtual network can be daunting. Deploying these new systems can be easy or hard, mostly depending on how robust your virtualization strategy is. The more you plan ahead and focus on integration, the better it will go, and the more benefits you will reap later on down the line.
If you’re looking for somewhere to begin with your own virtualization strategy, here are three elements that we’ve seen in our clients’ most successful deployments:
Three Best Practices of Virtualization Deployment
1 – An Architectural Viewpoint
Businesses that misunderstand virtualization can make the mistake of treating it like a simple server upgrade. While they may achieve limited success with this approach, they are cutting themselves off from the many later benefits of a robust virtualization setup.
Treat virtualization within your company as an architectural change, one which will eventually affect every aspect of your company’s IT and networking processes. From day one, have a plan that allows for growth of the project until it encompasses all of your internal systems. Having more of your key systems virtualized allows the benefits of virtualization to spread throughout your organization.
2 – A Phased Rollout
As part of the architectural outlook we recommend above, your virtualization strategy should plan on a phased rollout. Start first with IT-specific systems, then move to a live deployment within selected departments. Based on your team’s success here, start moving virtualization into more and more areas of your organization. Even departments that may not have very demanding computing needs can still benefit from virtualization, such as having more robust data backup and recovery options once the system goes virtual.
3 – Internal Training and Engagement
Virtualization needs to be embraced by the company at large. Focus on internal communication, both with the workforce and with your CXOs and shareholders. Individual departments and workers need to understand what’s happening and how to use the new systems effectively. Good outreach focusing on the benefits of virtualization leads to fewer internal disputes that can slow down the implementation of your new systems.
Moving Forward
The benefits of virtualization are numerous, and with a good virtualization strategy, you can quickly achieve a strong ROI as well as long-term increased productivity. Careful planning in the early stages will lead to high returns years down the line.