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VMs are software-based systems that function as fully independent computers in a hardware system. They utilize a piece of software called a hypervisor to separate hardware resources such as CPU, memory and storage. Then, a virtual machine can run an operating system (OS) such as 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 to an earlier date. It also allows you to test and deploy both legacy and new applications in a sandbox environment to ensure they function as expected, without disrupting production.
The capability to host multiple VMs on the same physical server means you need less equipment and lower operational and capital costs. It also eliminates duplicate backup systems and reduces the amount of data you have to keep. Cloud-based VMs permit you to access your data anywhere with an Internet connection, eliminating the need for offsite storage.
A VM can be used on any hardware that can meet the performance requirements of your company, which includes desktops and servers. Each Hypervisor has pros and cons that are crucial for small companies. A popular choice is VMware the vSphere platform with ESX/ESXi. This is an enterprise-ready option with enhanced security hosts that can be built with up to 128 vCPUs as well as 6 TB of RAM, access based on role, extensive logging and auditing. Another option that is gaining popularity is Microsoft Hyper-V. Microsoft Hyper-V is more affordable and more manageable than vSphere however it has the same capabilities.