VMs are software environments that act as fully independent computers that are installed on a hardware system. They use software called Hypervisor to divide hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage. Then a virtual machine could run a different operating system (OS) like Windows for business applications and Linux for software development.

Virtual systems minimize the chance of a system breakdown, and permit you to restore your data quickly back to a previous date. It also enables you to test and deploy legacy or new applications in a sandbox to ensure they will work as expected, without disrupting production.

It is possible to install multiple VMs onto the same physical computer that will lower your operating and capital expenses. It also eliminates duplicate or backup systems and reduces the amount of data that you need to maintain. And, with cloud-based VMs it’s easy to access your data from anywhere with an internet connection and eliminate the need for offsite backup locations.

A VM can be operated on any device that meets the requirements for performance of your company, which includes desktops and servers. The type of Hypervisor used is a significant factor, as each one has its own pros and cons for small businesses. One of the most popular options is VMware vSphere that comes with ESX/ESXi. This is a business-ready solution that offers increased security hosts with up 6 TB RAM and 128 vCPUs. They also have role-based accessibility, extensive logging, and auditing. Another popular option is Microsoft Hyper-V. It is less expensive and simpler to manage than vSphere however it has the same capabilities.

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