Any organization with multiple desktop users should consider transforming to a virtual environment.  An isolated software "box" that can run independent operating systems and applications, a virtual machine behaves just like a physical computer.   In fact, it has its own software-based CPU, hard disk, memory, network card, and other hardware components, only without the hardware.  Virtualization offers a dramatic advantage over physical machines.

Just like hardware, a virtual machine hosts all the components found in a physical computer. Since applications and operating systems are unable to tell the difference between a virtual or physical machine (even the virtual machine thinks it's "real."), a great number of hardware and distribution challenges disappear with a virtual environment.  This article will examine three benefits underlying virtualization.

1. Virtual Machines are Isolated
   
   While virtual machines reside on a single computer, they are isolated from each other just as if though they were separate physical machines. If five machines reside on the same physical server, one machine's crash will not affect the rest, which will continue to operate as though they were unaffected.  The reason is simple:  the other machines are unaffected.  They behave as though they were in a physical box four or four-hundred feet away!  This factor alone explains why a virtual environment can offer security and continuity advantages over a traditional environment.
   
   
2. Virtual Machines Are Encapsulated
   
   Because it is essentially a software container with a complete set of hardware (via virtual software) resources, the virtual machine can run an operating system and all applications from within the software package. This encapsulation makes them easy to manage.  A virtual machine can be moved as easily as transferring any other software.  It can also be saved on any data storage device or network.  With virtualization, migration of desktops can be accomplished in a fraction of the time previously required.
   
   
3. Virtual Machines Operate Independent of Hardware
   
   Completely independent from the physical hardware underlying the machine, a virtual computer can operate without reliance or limitation on installed hardware components.  Virtual machines on the same physical server can run conflicting operating systems, applications, and utilize entirely different CPU resources.   Virtualization allows the machine to be moved from one physical computer to another without installing new device drivers, operating systems, or applications.

The advantages are clear and compelling.  Virtual machines offer all of the hardware resources of a single machine encapsulated into a software container.  Complete virtualization can offer all of the resources of an entire IT infrastructure.   By doing so, the process dramatically reduces actual costs, opportunity costs, and IT management resource commitment.  Any organization looking to streamline technology costs and focus on solutions rather than maintenance should begin the transition today.