Implemented correctly, virtualization technologies have the potential to create vast improvements in the utilization of IT resources. Unfortunately, most virtualization deployments are conducted almost ad hoc without real thought given to the implications of this new infrastructure. Worse yet, most organizations have yet to even utilize virtual environments in anything more than a test lab because there is no clear method for how to deploy the technology. The benefits to this technology are obvious from a generic standpoint, but there is very little information available on the best way to implement virtualization in order to maximize resources and performance while minimizing cost.

---