Cloud computing. It's not just a buzzword. It's real, it's powerful, secure and it rocks. Any company looking to upgrade servers or machines needs to start considering the virtual. Virtual technology allows several PC's to run inside another. One physical box and multiple computers running within that box.
Why this is important or useful is not evident at first. But a little closer look at scenarios will shed some light. For one of my clients, it takes an average of three hours to install Windows, download service packs, three to five apps, get it networked and set up email. With virtual technology, a machine can be replicated within a half hour or less. If there are multiple machines to deploy, an image can be stored and then copied to the machine. Just a few minutes and the machine is up and going.
Server just died? No problem - if it's virtual. Physical server restoration scenerio could take days for an older server. (finding /replacing parts such as motherboards, reconfiguring, Installing apps etc.) With a virtual server, it's as simple as copying a file and opening it. Now, a little bit of prep time is involved, but no more than that of installing a physical server.
As I work with clients to move to a virtual environment, some are hesitant. Few even understand it. That's the challenge, but the payoff for them is HUGE!
If you are investing, or going to invest in a server, I would love to talk to you and work out a plan for vitalisation. Put VM to work for you!
Friday, August 12, 2011
The bigger the box
I had a client order a new computer and ask the question - what size is the PC. Is it a mini or mid tower. Why?
Great question. So many vendors want to sell the mini or micro-mini computers because they are less expensive to ship. These computers often come with components to match those specs though. There is an old saying which is true in computer land as in all areas of life. "You get what you pay for" .
The difference between the mid and the mini or micro-mini is significant. The smaller box means less heat dispersion due to less fans, smaller fan size and less airflow. Processors and hard drives can get pretty hot. When the heat can't escape it means part failure.
Also, smaller power supplies are used which are less reliable and often times harder to replace. The power supply is one of the common failure components. (Because they are often low quality). The PS is the lifeblood of the computer. A quality PS can mean protection for your computer from environmental threats. A low quality PS can actually be a threat.
Computers are only throw away because that's how we see them and that's what we invest in. $450 PC's in a tiny desk cube. They have their place, but if your looking for something that will be a little more reliable, look to the mid tower PC.
Great question. So many vendors want to sell the mini or micro-mini computers because they are less expensive to ship. These computers often come with components to match those specs though. There is an old saying which is true in computer land as in all areas of life. "You get what you pay for" .
The difference between the mid and the mini or micro-mini is significant. The smaller box means less heat dispersion due to less fans, smaller fan size and less airflow. Processors and hard drives can get pretty hot. When the heat can't escape it means part failure.
Also, smaller power supplies are used which are less reliable and often times harder to replace. The power supply is one of the common failure components. (Because they are often low quality). The PS is the lifeblood of the computer. A quality PS can mean protection for your computer from environmental threats. A low quality PS can actually be a threat.
Computers are only throw away because that's how we see them and that's what we invest in. $450 PC's in a tiny desk cube. They have their place, but if your looking for something that will be a little more reliable, look to the mid tower PC.
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