Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Unlock the Virtues of Virtualization


WRITTEN BY CAMDEN HALEY M


IGRATING from Microsoft Windows Server 2003 to Microsoft Windows Server 2012


is your chance to take virtualization to the next level. It’s also an opportunity to upgrade to high-performance, power- efficient servers that provide a fast ROI. Windows Server 2003 has been a


reliable workhorse for over a decade— a bastion of corporate computing available in multiple editions targeted toward particular sizes and types of business. But on July 14, Microsoft will stop releasing critical patches for it. Windows Server 2012 makes it


simpler to consolidate workloads onto fewer, more powerful servers. Virtualization allows you to simplify IT administration and manage server loads easily and efficiently. You can also implement cluster maintenance during the day with no downtime to the end users, and streamline backup and recovery.


More Flexibility You want more operational


flexibility? Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V capabilities include network virtualization, multi-tenancy, storage resource pools, cross-premise connectivity, and cloud backup. Combine these capabilities to spin up in minutes, which would have taken weeks in a Windows 2003 environment.


In addition, the Windows Server


2012 Hyper-V Replica feature makes replication of servers across a WAN or a secure VPN a reality—even for small businesses. Take note, because this was once something only larger companies could afford.


Maximum Efficiency In my view, server consolidation


is the most compelling virtue of virtualization. A typical non-virtualized application server may reach just 10-20% utilization. But a virtual server can easily reach 80% utilization. The net result is obvious—efficient hosting with more virtual machines on fewer physical servers. This translates directly into


reduced costs for hardware acquisition, maintenance, energy, and cooling system usage. According to Gartner, at least 70% of enterprise x86 server workloads are now virtualized. There’s a reason why so many of these server workloads are virtualized— the economic arguments are overwhelming. So are the arguments for reaping the IT productivity and flexibility advantages that come with virtualizing workloads.


Cost Effective Virtualization typically requires


fewer, more powerful servers. It’s crucial to select energy-efficient server platforms, so you can control


24 WWW.PCCONNECTION.COM 1.800.800.0014


operational costs. Look for server platforms like the high-performance, Energy Star certified Lenovo ThinkServer RD440. By selecting powerful, scalable,


and energy efficient servers, you can achieve an accelerated ROI for your server investments.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR Camden Haley is Partner Brand Manager for Lenovo at PC Connection with more than 10 years of experience in client hardware. Discover more of Camden Haley’s insights at PC Connection’s official blog, Connected, at www.pcconnection.com/blog


Simplify Your Migration and Virtualization


Virtualization has surpassed 50% of all server workloads—


and will reach 86% by 2016.* Is Windows Server 2012 in your future?


Now’s the time to optimize your resources with our new assessment tool and take virtualization to the next level.


Visit www.pcconnection.com/ WindowsServerEOS to get started.


* Source: 2014 Gartner Hype Cycle Special Report IMAGE © BEAWOLF / FOTOLIA


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