When you stop and think about it, even small businesses can benefit from network virtualization.
While you may be hesitant about making big changes in your IT department, you will find that virtualizing your network could provide big payoffs.
Reduce Expenses
It costs a lot to upkeep an IT department, especially when it comes to hardware.
All hardware wears out over time and must be replaced, and the costs can range in the thousands, even for a small business.
In addition to the replacement costs of servers, routers and other hardware, you have the cost of upkeep and regular maintenance. Even with IT personnel on staff, they could spend their time doing other tasks.
Powering these devices also makes an impact on a budget.
When they need repairs, you end up with the cost of the actual repair as well as the cost of down time.
Virtualization eliminates many of these costs and reduces others. It also makes your IT staff more productive in other areas.
Reduce Training and Recovery
As the following article looks at, you may wonder outside of the expense factor, what are the benefits of network virtualization?
The second advantage to virtualization is that you do not have to continually train your staff on new brands and products. Upgrades can be expensive not only in installation, but in the impact they have on your staff.
Virtualization further impacts a small business by reducing the amount of time needed for recovery in a disaster.
While some aspects may still be affected, it won’t have as big of an impact on your network because that information will be readily accessible as soon as your company is back online.
You won’t have to spend countless hours retrieving data because it is already stored off-site. Virtualization can prevent many issues that result in a disaster and reduce the downtime in those that do occur.
Improve Security
While you hear about big businesses being hit by hackers, small businesses are even more likely to be targets.
They do not always have the resources of the larger companies and are easier targets for hackers and cybercriminals. With network virtualization, you have less worry about security.
Virtual networks have automated security processes that help ensure your business’ security.
They also automate policies that govern compliance to ensure that everyone meets the standards.
Improvement of Customer Service
While most customers don’t know what goes on in the back end of a business, they still reap the results of efficiency or the lack of it.
When you can deliver your products or services on time with little delay, your customers will notice.
Many times, virtualization will improve service, but at the very least it reduces problems with service. The result is happier, more satisfied customers.
Instead of looking only at the cost of network virtualization, small businesses must count the benefits.
Switching from a traditional network to a virtual one can offer many advantages that will override any perceived negative impact.
In the end, it is a win-win for the company and its customers.
About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including finance and running a small business.