Businesses have faced server sprawl and underutilization problems for a long time. Most servers are rarely used at more than 5% to 10% of computing capacity, resulting in a proliferation of power-hungry systems that aren't working up to their full potential. Server virtualization allows numerous virtual machines (VMs) to coexist and run on the same physical servers, vastly reducing hardware needs and environmental requirements. Consolidation is easy; making it work correctly can be a challenge.

This chapter, part two in a seven-chapter e-book, is brought to you by the experts at SearchServerVirtualization.com. Read it to learn more about optimizing server virtualization and how factoring server management and performance into consolidation projects can help optimize a virtual server deployment.

After you read this e-book, check out other Introduction to Virtualization chapters. Topics covered include:

Leveraging virtualization for disaster recovery

How to meet various compliance issues