Cisco servers can help your business in many ways. Does your business perform a lot of number crunching? Does your business use applications that are processor-intensive? Those applications demand a lot of memory and processing power. Or perhaps your business deals with computer animation that requires a lot of rendering. That can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. There is a better way: virtualization

Virtualization can address your server issues when you purchase and install Cisco network servers. Virtualization enables you to use a Cisco system server to host numerous virtualized servers. A software application runs virtualization so that each application has a server dedicated to it. Keep in mind these are virtual servers, instead of physical ones.

Making your Cisco servers into a virtualization will do the following:

1. Reduce your costs
2. Reduce the energy you consume
3. Reduce the number of Cisco servers you have to deploy

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Reduce the number of Cisco network servers with virtualization

You don't have to worry about deploying a Cisco server every time your employee uses a new software application. You just need to purchase and use a virtualization software application to create virtual Cisco network servers. This software enables you to use and manage multiple applications and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Cisco IOS, or Linux, all on one physical server.

I recommend: Look into VMWare Infrastructure for virtualization software. Cisco uses VMWare Infrastructure to create its virtualized servers. Cisco made an investment in VMWare, Inc., so if you purchase VMWare Infrastructure, you will have made a worthwhile investment.

Save room and energy by consolidating Cisco networking servers

Virtualization will help save you energy because you will use fewer Cisco servers and other Cisco system devices. Since everyone is committed to conserving energy and going green, why not go with virtualization? Virtualization saves on your cooling and power. As a result, you'll save on IT costs.

I recommend: Search Data Center describes how companies are using virtualization to save energy; a utility company created an incentive program to get customers to conserve on energy. Sun also shows how virtualization has helped to cut down on power needs.

Build a relationship with the company to support Cisco systems

A good relationship will keep you on the inside track of what is developing in the Cisco networking world. You won't just learn about Cisco servers, but get crucial information on networking devices, including Cisco routers, Cisco switches, Cisco VPN, etc. You will be kept abreast of up-to-date information on Cisco certification programs. Because Cisco's technology changes frequently, it's important to keep your employees current with their certifications. If you have a problem with any of your networking devices, call the company for a Cisco solution.

I recommend: Cisco provides a tremendous amount of resources for you. Go there for a Cisco solution to a technical problem. It also has a section on career certifications. DataVox has an interesting picece on Cisco's technical support program called Cisco SMARTnet. With this technical support service, you can have direct access to Cisco's network engineers anytime.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Once you've decided on virtualization, see if your infrastructure supports it. One of the things you'll want to find out is if your Cisco servers perform similar tasks. If they do, you can begin your strategy toward virtualization.