1) We can virtualize any hardware based server in minutes.

This is probably number one on my list. We can completely virtualize a hardware based server in minutes. This is not only better for the environment (e.g. less power generated = less CO2) but it means that you can replace your outdated server without having to tear-down and replace your website. Your entire configuration is left 100% intact! This is great for someone looking to upgrade or would like to test out some new software.

2) Virtual servers can be built quickly.

Unlike a dedicated server, virtual servers don’t take long to deploy. We can deploy your virtual server quickly and likewise remove it when you are done with it. Think about it like a consumable resource. As such, if you temporarily need two servers to load balance your website during peak traffic times you can do it without the expense of large setup fees and time.

3) Virtual servers can be duplicated /copied / backup exactly.

Did I mention that we can virtualize your hardware based server? Well we can also duplicate existing virtual servers in minutes too. So if you want to stash a point-in-time backup of your server in case of emergency you can. If you want to test a special version of your website without the risk to your production environment you can.  

4) Virtual servers can be extended quickly.

Need more RAM, HDD or Processor speed during peek times? Not a problem we can extend a virtual server with a few clicks and a restart. Likewise, you can downgrade it just as fast. What does that mean? Well it’s like renting a Ferrari for the day. When your date is over you get back in your more economical Prius (= less hosting fees) and cruise along.

5) Virtual servers can be moved easily.

Let’s say the host machine your virtual server is on needs maintenance. We can simply import your virtual server on to another host machine while maintenance is being performed with little or no downtime. Try that with a dedicated server. Your only choice with a dedicated server is to try to reproduce your entire environment by moving your files and configuration to another machine – it’s just not going to happen (easily).

As you can see virtual servers are a beyond cool alternative for those looking to get into a dedicated serveror to upgrade their existing hardware-based server. They really offer so many benefits over traditional hardware-based servers.

Virtual Server technology has been around for some time. We had previously setup a virtual server a couple of years ago, but decided to scrap the project because the ratio between the number of virtual servers and the cost of the host system was off. It was actually cheaper to use hardware based servers. Now, the ratio is there because of mutli-core CPU’s and enhanced virtual technologies.

This is a big step in the right direction. It will pave the way for us to consolidate our servers and reduce our power and rack space consumption.  This is key if we are to remain competitive. In some ways we were disadvantaged because we have been in business so long. Newer startups, using virtual technology, have options that we never had. Virtually speaking, it might be possible to reproduce our core web hosting services on a handful of servers instead of 10x that many.

We hope to be able to offer customer-facing solutions using virtual technology within the next 3 months.

VMWare Virtual Servers

You can think of virtual servers as a server within a server. A virtual server is an independent isolated operating system that lives inside another server. Multiple virtual servers can reside on the same physical server. Usually they are referred to as the Host system (physical server) and the Guest OS (virtual server). Each virtual server operates entirely independent of one another and for the practical part independent of the Host System. What makes this situation so unique is that there is literally no difference between a virtual server and physical server– not to mention that the same physical server can host many virtual servers.

What makes this possible is a lightweight operating system that is pre-installed on the Host system (physical) called a Hypervisor. The hypervisor is responsible for dishing out the physical resources like CPU, RAM, NIC and HDD space in a specific manner to the independent Guest OS’s. You can think of it like a layered cake with the hardware at the bottom, the hypervisor next, and the guest systems on the top. There are several hypervisors that are currently available. The two primary ones right now are from VMWare and Microsoft. Microsoft calls it Hyper-V and VMWare calls it a Hypervisor. Currently the both are competing for market share. At EPhost we currently use VMWare, but we plan to use Hyper-V as well.

What’s make this possible overall has been the creation of multi-core CPUs that are optimized for virtual servers. Mutlti-core CPU’s are very similar in that the same physical CPU is actually a collection of 2-4 cores each operating as its own CPU. To the operating system, it actually sees multiple CPU’s even though there might only be one physical CPU. You should note that the number of cores is not directly related to the number of virtual servers. So it’s possible to have 20 virtual servers using the same 4 cores.

The net result, no pun intended, is the ability to have many virtual servers within the same physical machine. This provides a number of benefits. First, it gives rise to the consolidation of networks, thus reducing CO2 emissions required to power and cool servers. Second, it provides an excellent platform for users to quickly deploy server environments, makes it easier to migrate servers, and offers the ability to host various OS types such as Microsoft Windows and Linux Red Hat on the same machine.

Virtual Servers can also be used as Virtual Desktops allowing companies to deploy and destroy employee workstations as needed. Employees, will use thin-client computers to transparently dial in to a central server to see their normal desktop. This keeps information secure and reduces valuable IT time required to deploy a work station.

Virtual Servers shouldn’t be confused with Virtual Private Servers (VPS). While they are sometimes used interchangeably they are different. VPS based environments are similar in that they provide an isolated OS environment to the user, but they ultimately rely on splitting a single operating system into several parts. A well known vendor of VPS technology is Virtuoso by Parallels. Parallels is known for making the self-titled software that allows MAC users to switch to using Windows on their MAC. The primary difference between the two is that  virtual servers are divided up at the core hardware level (using the Hypervisor) making better use of resources, while VPS is done at the software level.

At EPhost, we’ll be using real Virtual Servers and NOT VPS technology to drive our consolidation efforts, and to offer dedicated servers at a lower price point. We will continue to provide standard hardware-based dedicated servers for those that need all of the server resources. However, using Microsoft’s Hyper-V technology we will also offer the ability for dedicated server customers to virtualize their physical server to make better use of resources.