Does your business need a lot of servers to house its network? If it does, your infrastructure could benefit from server virtualization. However, while virtualization offers many advantages, some businesses can still benefit from physical servers. Consider your company’s needs and processes when choosing between physical and virtual servers. Let’s examine the differences so you better understand the decision you’re making.
The Differences Between a Virtual Server and Physical Server
Understanding the differences between virtual servers and physical servers helps you make the right decision for your enterprise. Here are some key differentiators between the two operating systems:
Performance
A server’s performance is critical, especially if your company works with significant amounts of data. Physical servers offer enhanced performance because they’re more powerful and efficient than a virtual environment. If your business needs an internal computing system to run at max capacity, then a physical server is the ideal choice.
Management
While physical servers deliver a higher level of performance, they are more difficult to manage. Virtual servers offer more streamlined data recovery and are easier to back up. Physical servers must be regularly inspected, and installing additional drivers is time consuming and expensive.
ScalabIlity
Another area where virtual servers outperform physical servers is scalability. Increasing the capacity of physical servers is cumbersome because it requires buying more hardware and finding additional space. A cloud computing environment can be scaled up or down depending on your company’s growth without the need to purchase more equipment.
PortabIlity
Portability is where virtual servers gain an advantage over physical machines. Relocating physical servers is a complicated process and often requires a business to pause operations until they’re reinstalled. Virtual platforms are hardware independent and easily move files to new locations.
Cost
Installing and maintaining a physical server system is expensive because it requires buying additional hardware and implementing regular software upgrades. Virtual servers are a more cost-effective option because they allow enterprises to distribute resources evenly.
Benefits of Server Virtualization vs. Physical Machines
Server virtualization provides many benefits for businesses. Virtual servers allow you to provision and deploy applications and other facets of your network more easily than physical servers. With a physical server, provisioning and deployment can take hours, but it takes just minutes with a virtual one.
Also, virtual servers are hardware independent, making live migration possible. This also improves your business continuity and network availability in case a disaster strikes. Finally, server virtualization reduces your IT costs by reducing the amount of physical hardware you have to maintain.
Deciding Between a Cloud Server vs. Physical Server
When Is A Physical Server Better?
A physical server is ideal for companies looking for increased performance from their operating system. Enterprises that need an efficient system with significant storage capabilities should consider installing physical servers on location.
When Is A Virtual Server Better?
If cost is a concern or you need a server platform that seamlessly grows with your enterprise, then consider virtual servers. These systems offer the flexibility you need to increase productivity without increasing your company’s footprint.
Need Help Deciding Between a Physical Server vs Virtual Server?
The Reverus team has decades of experience helping clients make the right decision for their business. Contact us today to learn more.
Begin the Server Computing Process With Reverus
If you’re ready to reap the benefits of server computing, reach out to Reverus today. We offer the cloud computing resources you need to move your network onto one dedicated server. We also help you use server virtualization to improve your disaster recovery measures. You can trust us to help you make the right decisions for achieving your business goals.
