Not too long ago, cloud apps and platforms were the answer to IT efficiency. Today, virtualization is the solution everyone is talking about. And as a business owner, you probably want to know if virtualization can improve your business’s processes.

Virtualization addresses many challenges that businesses face when upgrading their hardware and network. That’s because deploying virtualized systems offers an affordable and flexible solution to a typically arduous problem. But before you invest in a virtualized infrastructure, consider the following costs and benefits.

Servers need to be replaced and/or upgraded at some point. The older the servers are, the harder they become to maintain because finding replacement parts become more time-consuming and costly. What's more, you could be missing out on new features that could benefit your business if you don't upgrade your servers.

Servers can host nearly every type of software solution, including email and office support, of which Microsoft Exchange is widely considered to be the best. If you’re looking into a new email server solution, you’ve likely come across hosted Exchange.

Powering your IT equipment costs money, but how much will you actually spend? If you have no idea, you’re in for a treat. Here are four questions you need to ask yourself before considering virtualization. 

Studies have shown that over 70% of IT budgets go to “keeping the lights on.

Whether your business is hit with a brief power outage or by a natural disaster, any kind of interruption to your organization’s productivity cuts into your profits. A business continuity plan (BCP) is critical to ensuring your organization stays open.

Progressive SMBs are defined by how they use technology to achieve business growth. From acquiring new customers to managing suppliers to exceeding sales quotas, IT helps a lot. But traditional hardware and software solutions are expensive to purchase and support.

Virtualization allows you to eliminate dependency on physical hardware limitations and software requirements. Before you choose any one virtualization solution, it's a good idea to go over the different companies providing virtualization services. Below is a list of five popular vendors offering reliable virtualization platforms.

Most business owners don’t think of Virtualization when talking about Disaster Recovery (DR). However, virtualization actually serves as an effective disaster recovery plan. Here’s a breakdown for those unfamiliar with how the one can serve as a reliable way of implementing the other.

Servers are the heart of most modern SMBs.  And with the strain that most businesses put on their servers, one of the most important maintenance variables is temperature management. Understanding why keeping your servers cool is vitally important and could save you from an expensive crash, troubling data loss, or reduced hardware reliability.